UPLB Research and Extension News

MANILA - A newborn spotted fawn - considered a rare species - became an instant attraction in the Bicol region on Wednesday, after it was born to non-spotted parents.

The fawn is the only one among its herd at the Bacman Geothermal Production Field in Sorsogon that showed spots on its fur.

It was also born in Sorsogon, an area not known as a habitat for spotted deer.

Spotted deer populations are present in Masbate (located at the South of Sorsogon), Leyte, Guimaras Island, Cebu, Negros, Panay, and Samar.

Experts from the University of the Philippines in Los Baños have been called to confirm whether the spotted fawn is from the species Cervus alfredi (Philippine Spotted Deer or Visayan Spotted Deer).

Staff at the Bacman conservation area, however, believe that the fawn is a real spotted deer because its mother reportedly escaped from the enclosure.

The doe could possibly have mated with wild deer seen by staff in the area.

Spotted deer, considered one of the world's rarest deer species, currently number around 300 in the Philippines.

Spotted deer populations have decreased due to intensive hunting and extensive deforestation, as land is cleared for farming.

Spotted deer, the largest endemic species in the west Visayan islands, are no larger than dogs, short-legged, and live in rainforests. At night, they feed on various types of grass, herbs, fruit, and flowers.

The species are notable for their distinctive pattern of buff-colored spots scattered across their dark brown back and sides.

Originally published in ABS-CBN News.com