Wild deer, Yakushima Island, Kagoshima prefecture

Sika deer, scientifically known as Cervus nippon yakushimae, are found on Yakushima island.

The Yakushima deer and the Yaku macaque (Short-tailed monkey) are the only large wild animals on the island, with an estimated 2,300 to 3,000 deer and 3,200 to 4,600 Yaku macaques.

The deer live in areas from low-mountain hills close to the coastline to the mountain peaks 2000 meters above sea level.

SOURCE: Yasufumi Nishi, courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization, used with permission.

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