Tufted Deer Male Skull Replica

Description

Tufted deer male skull replica measures 7.8″L. Tufted deer male skull replica is museum-quality polyurethane resin cast from California Academy of Sciences specimen. 2-part skull (separate cranium and mandible). Made in USA.

The tufted deer or Elaphodus cephalophus is similar to a muntjac in appearance, but the longer necks and legs give it a slightly leaner appearance.

The coat is coarse with short and stiff hairs, being almost black in the winter and chocolate brown in the summer. The lips, tip of the ears, and the underside of the tails are white.

A tuft of horseshoe-shaped hair is present on the forehead and upper neck, being brown to black, and can be up to 6.7 in. long. The most striking feature is the fang-like canines in the males of the species. These can grow up to 1.0 in. long.

The tufted deer or Elaphodus cephalophus is a small deer standing at 20 to 28 in. at the shoulder, and the weight varies from 37 to 66 lbs. The tail is short at around 3.9 in. The antler is only present in males and is extremely short, almost hidden by its long tuft of hair.

The tufted deer or Elaphodus cephalophus is found mainly in China, where it occurs in the south from eastern coast to eastern Tibet. The tufted deer inhabits high, damp forests at 1,600 to 14,800 feet above sea level, close to the tree line.

It is a timid animal and prefer places with good cover, where it is well camouflaged. It can be easily disturbed and, when alarmed, it will let out a bark before fleeing, moving in cat-like jumps.

It is a close relative of the muntjac, living somewhat further north over a wide area of central China northeastern Myanmar. Suffering from over hunting and habitat loss. The tufted deer or Elaphodus cephalophus is considered near-threatened.

It is the only member of the genus Elaphodus. It is restricted to forested mountain habitat up to 4500 m above sea level, making study difficult.

Scientific classification:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Cervidae
• Subfamily: Cervinae
• Genus: Elaphodus
• Species: E. cephalophus
• Binomial name: Elaphodus cephalophus Milne-Edwards, 1872
• Conservation status: Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)

Contrast the subtle features of the tufted deer with the impressive Caribou Antler Rack Replica, showcasing the massive caribou antler rack adapted for sub-arctic survival.