Description

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The Sika deer, also known as the Japanese deer or the Northern spotted deer, is a deer species native to much of East Asia, including Japan, Taiwan, and eastern China. The species has also been spread to other parts of the world. It is distinguished by its small head and short legs. Species can be small or medium-sized depending on their habitat. Males have three to four points on their antlers, with more dominant individuals having more points. Females have two black lumps on their heads, in contrast. In the summer, their coats vary from yellow-brown to reddish-brown, with a dark dorsal stripe surrounded by white spots. During the winter, their colour changes to dark grey or black, with no or very faint spots.

Sika Deer In Japan

The Sika deer is an important part of Japanese culture, appearing in art, literature, and folklore. The Sika deer is also considered a national treasure in Japan and is a protected species. Their population in Japan is estimated to be around one million, making them a common sight. The deer are frequently seen in parks and shrines and have grown accustomed to humans, occasionally approaching them for food. This has raised concerns about overpopulation and damage to forests and crops.

Genetic Uniqueness Of Sika Deer Near The Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Fukushima University researchers recently discovered that the Sika deer that live near the Kasuga Taisha Shrine and the Todaiji Buddhist Temple in Nara, Honshu Island, are genetically distinct. Between 2000 and 2016, the researchers collected samples from 294 Sika deer living in 30 different locations on the Kii Peninsula. The team discovered three distinct genetic groups using mitochondrial DNA analysis, one of which had a unique haplotype, indicating a restricted flow of genes across its maternal lineage. This isolated group, which included the Sika deer that surrounded the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, is thought to have separated from the rest of the Kii Peninsula around 1,400 years ago when the shrine was built.

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