Wild Animal Ecology Expert from IPB University Explains the Morphological Differences between Deer and Antelope
Although often confused, deer and antelope actually have quite striking morphological differences. This was explained by Wild Animal Ecology Expert from IPB University, Dr Dede Aulia Rahman.
“When we talk about deer and antelope, they are actually species that belong to the same family, namely Cervidae,” said Dr Dede in a YouTube video on IPB TV.
However, he continued, morphologically, the two are different. He mentioned two main characteristics that are most easily recognizable by the general public.
“The first is body size. Adult deer are significantly larger than antelope,” explained the IPB University lecturer from the Department of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecotourism, Faculty of Forestry and Environment (Fahutan).
The second characteristic is found in the structure of the animal’s head. “We call it a ranggah, not horns. For antelope or mejangan, the ranggah has only two branches. Meanwhile, deer have more branches, ranging from three to four branches,” he elaborated.
Dr Dede also added that there are other differences that can be seen with the naked eye. “Antelope or mejangan have a kind of ‘halis’ or black line running down their face. Deer do not have this characteristic,” he added.
He emphasized that antlers are different from horns because their structure is different. Antlers fall off naturally every year.
Indonesia, as a megabiodiversity country, has six species of animals from the Cervidae family. “There are Javan deer or Timor deer, sambar deer, Bawean deer, Kalimantan yellow deer (red deer), and Sumatran mountain deer,” he said.
Dr Dede emphasized the importance of preserving this rich biodiversity. “This high potential for biodiversity must be preserved together. So that it continues to exist, survive, and provide benefits for the Indonesian people,” he said.
He also encouraged researchers and the younger generation to continue exploring this potential wisely. “We need to think about the wise and prudent use of biodiversity for the future of the nation,” he concluded. (Fj) (IAAS/LAN)
