Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) – Wildlife of Japan
IIntroduction
The sika deer (Cervus nippon) is one of the most familiar large mammals in Japan. However, despite its familiarity, it still surprises many with its adaptability. Recognizable by its spotted summer coat and striking white rump patch, it inhabits forests, mountains, and coastal areas from Hokkaido to Kyushu. The species has lived alongside humans for centuries, most notably around temples and shrines in Nara. Beyond Japan, sika have been introduced to parts of Europe and North America, where they are often considered invasive. As a result, the sika deer stands as both a cultural icon and an ecological influencer, essential to understanding Japan’s wildlife.
Taxonomy & Names
Scientific Name: Cervus nippon
Common Name: Sika Deer
Recognized subspecies in Japan:
- Cervus nippon yesoensis – Ezo sika deer (Hokkaido)
- Cervus nippon centralis – Honshu sika deer (Honshu)
- Cervus nippon nippon – Kyushu sika deer (Kyushu)
- Cervus nippon mageshimae – Mage sika deer (Mage Island)
- Cervus nippon yakushimae – Yakushima sika deer (Yakushima Island)
- Cervus nippon pulchellus – Tsushima sika deer (Tsushima Island)
- Cervus nippon keramae – Kerama sika deer (Kerama Islands, Okinawa)
Characteristics
Size: Shoulder height 64–109 cm; body length 95–180 cm. Northern populations, for example, the Ezo sika in Hokkaido, are the largest, with males sometimes exceeding 150 kg.
Appearance: Summer coats are reddish-brown with clear white spots; coats darken in winter and spots fade. A white rump patch is prominent. Males grow and shed antlers annually.
Behavior
Social structure varies; females and young form groups, whereas males are often solitary outside the breeding season. During the rut (September–October), males call with high-pitched whistles and engage in antler battles.
Diet
Herbivorous and adaptable, feeding on grasses, leaves, bark, bamboo, fungi, and sometimes crops. In addition, their diet shifts seasonally depending on available plants.
Habitat & Distribution
Native to East Asia, the sika deer is found in Japan, China, Taiwan, the Russian Far East, and the Korean Peninsula. Japan hosts the largest natural populations, ranging from the snowy forests of Hokkaido to the subtropical islands of Okinawa. Outside Asia, sika deer have been introduced to the UK, Ireland, and parts of the United States, where they are managed as non-native or invasive populations.
Cultural & Historical Significance
In Nara, sika deer have been revered for over a millennium as messengers of the gods. Today, they roam freely in Nara Park, protected as a Natural Monument. Visitors may purchase special deer crackers (shika senbei) to feed them; however, other foods are strictly prohibited. On Miyajima (Itsukushima Island) near Hiroshima, deer wander through shrine precincts and along beaches. Therefore, authorities advise against feeding or touching them to prevent health and behavioral issues.
Observation Tips
Best places to see them:
- Nara Park (Kansai) – over 1,000 free-ranging deer among temples and shrines.
- Miyajima Island (Hiroshima) – deer roaming streets and beaches near Itsukushima Shrine.
- Hokkaido – wild herds in Shiretoko and other natural areas.
Best season: Early morning and late afternoon are most active; autumn rutting season offers dramatic antler battles and vocal displays.
Etiquette: Keep a respectful distance, especially from stags in the rut. Only feed designated crackers in Nara; never offer other foods.
Conservation & Management in Japan
Although not globally threatened (IUCN: Least Concern), overabundant populations in Japan have caused ecological damage. For instance, high densities reduce forest understory, prevent tree regeneration, and affect alpine and coastal plants. To address this, management strategies such as regulated culling and habitat restoration are implemented in places like the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site.
Field Notes (Author’s Impression)
Sika deer shed and regrow their antlers every year in spring. On mountain trails you may sometimes find a cast antler lying on the ground — a rare and striking sight worth keeping an eye out for.
Video
Conclusion
From the sacred temples of Nara to the snowy plains of Hokkaido, the sika deer connects Japan’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Respectful observation and responsible management ensure that this species remains a living symbol of Japan for generations to come.
