Phylum Chordata Rank Genus | Family Cervidae Scientific name Rucervus Higher classification Cervini Order Even-toed ungulate | |
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Lower classifications Barasingha, Schomburgk's deer, Sangai | ||
Rucervus is a genus of deer from India, Nepal, Indochina, and the Chinese island of Hainan. They are threatened by habitat loss and hunting, and one species has already gone extinct.
Contents
They were previously thought to be members of the genus Cervus, but were moved to Rucervus based mainly on morphological differences. Based on genetic evidence, the Eld's deer should be moved back to Cervus, while the two last species remain in Rucervus or –less likely– could be moved to Axis.
Barasingha or swamp deer rucervus duvaucelii female video by shirishkumar patil 1
Species
Following the third edition of Mammal Species of the World from 2005, three species are placed in Rucervus, but the Eld's deer should be split into two species.
Furthermore, it has also been suggested that the Eld's deer should have its own genus, Panolia, and is closer to Père David's deer.