Location

• Free-Ranging Populations: found in parts of England, Scotland, Bohemia (Czech Republic), and Russia west of the Ural Mountains.
• Captive Populations: they are also kept in fenced game parks throughout various regions of Europe.

Description

The Manchurian Sika is the largest race of sika deer and possesses the finest antlers of the species.

• Size: males stand 38–43 inches (97–109 cm) at the shoulder and can weigh up to 240–250 pounds (109–113 kg). Females are smaller.
• Coat:
  • Summer: aarich chestnut-red with small white spots.
  • Winter: turns deep brown on the body and bluish-black on the neck, with spots becoming barely visible.
• Markings: features a vague dorsal stripe and a white rump patch bordered with black. The tail is reddish on the upper surface with a dark stripe.
• Antlers: the antler velvet is reddish. Record lengths include 36 1/4 inches (92.1 cm) from Russia and 34 1/2 inches (87.6 cm) from Manchuria.

Remarks

• Taxonomy: while some biologists use the name C. n. hortulorum, this record follows the IUCN and Groves & Grubb in utilizing the name C. n. mantchuricus. The former name was rejected because it was described from a captive specimen of unknown origin.
• Racial Purity: although the racial purity of these deer in Europe cannot be entirely guaranteed, they are treated as a distinct group in the Record Book due to their significantly larger bodies, superior antlers, and distinctive coloration.