VMD 512: Zoo/Wild Animal Breeding, Management, Nutrition and Health Care (1+1)

MUSK DEER AND SWAMP DEER

Musk deer (Moschus moschiferus)

• It is an undeveloped form of deer and is having a place between antelope and deer.
• Gall bladder is present
• Caudal gland is present in addition to the musk gland (in males).
• Stand ard color is a shade of rich dark brown speckled with grey
• Long pointed central hoof and unusually large lateral hooves are peculiar.
• Tail is characteristic and is found buried in anal area.

Swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli)

• Also called as Barasingha.
• Coat is woolly in texture and shades from brown to yellowish brown.
• Less nocturnal than the Sambar deer.
• Young ones are spotted. Stags are darker.
• Adults have well knit hooves
• Sense of smell is acute and when alarmed, the whole herd makes a shrill baying sound that is followed by a running.