Endocrine Mechanisms and Antler Cycles in Rusa Deer, Cervus (Rusa) timorensis

Abstract

The Acclimatisation Society of Victoria, Australia, introduced at least 17 species or subspecies of deer in the last century (Bentley 1978). Six species became established in Australia: fallow deer, Dama dama, chital, Axis axis hog deer, Axis porcinus red deer, Cervus elaphus, sambar, Cervus (Rusa) unicolor, and rusa deer, Cervus (Rusa) timorensis Information about their history is sparse, apart from a record in Acclimatisation Society’s report (1868) of the import of rusa deer (“Batavian deer”). However, it appears certain that more than one variety of rusa deer was released in Gembrook, Victoria (1890), the Royal National park, New South Wales (1907), and Torres Strait Islands (1912). Rusa deer populations exist in the Royal National Park and on the Prince of Wales Islands but were eradicated in Victoria.