Hog deer

Hog deer

Axis porcinus

Common name:

Hog deer

Scientific name:

Axis porcinus

Alternative common names:


Description:

The hog deer is a largely solitary species, but is often found in pairs, with females forming close relationships with their juvenile offspring.It feeds upon a variety of grasses, although it will occasionally forage on leaves and other plant parts, feeding during cooler periods, and digesting in the shade during the heat of the day.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

India.

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

NEMBA Category 2.

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Not recorded.

How does it spread?

They escape from ranches into wilderness areas.

Why is it a problem?

They cause damage to a wide variety of agricultural crops, pastures and forestry plantations through competition with cattle and other livestock for pasture.

What does it look like?

Description: The Hog Deer are low, stocky built animals with a muscular body and measure approximately 70cm at shoulder height. Built as a creeper, the hog deer has relatively short legs with its body being lower in the front than the back. The face is short and wedge-shaped. They are brown with a yellowish or reddish tinge and sometimes have a speckled appearance as some hairs have white tips.

Habitat: They inhabit areas with good levels of cover near to rivers and marshland. They can also be found in dense reed beds, thick riverside vegetation and close to swamps in woodlands.

Breeding: Sexual maturity in hog deer occurs at 8-12 months of age. From this point mature individuals mate yearly from August to October. Breeding seasons, however, vary slightly in the introduced populations.

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