A review of the genus Rusa in the indo-malayan archipelago and conservation efforts

• Main Authors: Nur Alizati Nabila Giarat Ali, Mohd Lutfi Abdullah, Siti Azizah Mohd Nor, Tan Min Pau, Noor Azleen Mohd Kulaimi, Darlina Md Naim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-01-01
• Series: Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences
• Subjects: Deer; Rusa; Indo-Malayan Archipelago; Genetics; Mitochondrial DNA; Conservation
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319562X20303715

Genus Rusa, belonging to the deer family Cervidae is native to the Indo-Malaya Archipelago (IMA). However, detailed information on the Rusa genus in the IMA is limited. This review provides comprehensive information on the Rusa genus in the IMA including, threats and conservation efforts. There are four species of deer in Rusa genus, which is Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), Javan deer (Rusa timorensis), Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi) and Philippine deer (Rusa marianna). Despite their wide distribution in the South Asian and Southeast Asian regions, they are under serious threats. Some conservation efforts that are being done to protect and conserve them among others are; (1) facilities protection, (2) habitat enrichment programme, (3) Ex-situ conservation, (4) legislations, and (5) captive breeding. Conservation through genetics is also an important step in conserving these species. Recommendations for conservation of the genus are also discussed; 1. maintenance of ecosystem. 2. more effective monitoring system on the existing protected area. 3. ex-situ conservation, and 4. habitat monitoring.