Rusa Deer

Rusa timorensis is a medium-sized introduced deer with a limited North Island range. It differs from sambar through its smaller body, finer coat and more slender antlers. The coat is coarse grey-brown, and males develop a shaggy neck. Stags carry three-tined antlers that are lighter than a sambar’s.

The main New Zealand population occurs in the eastern Bay of Plenty. It uses forest and scrub with nearby open feeding areas. It browses leaves and shoots and grazes grasses. Activity is greatest around dusk and overnight.

Forested country around Galatea in the Bay of Plenty holds rusa, but public sightings are unlikely.