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Hog Deer

Axis porcinus

The hog deer is a small species of deer that reaches up to 70 centimetres in height. It got its name from its distinctive gait, which is similar to that of a wild boar. When it runs through tall grass it lowers its head close to the ground, allowing it to push more easily through the vegetation. Its body is stocky and muscular; the hind legs are longer than the forelegs, so the rear part of the body is slightly higher than the shoulders. Among its most noticeable features are its large round ears, edged with white hairs, and its short, "wedge-shaped" head. Females are slightly smaller and have no antlers. Males have simple, unbranched antlers, covered with velvet skin for most of the year. The antlers grow from prominent, hairy pedicles. The winter coat is denser and dark brown; the summer coat is shorter and reddish-brown, often dotted with light spots. Under the eyes, on the flanks and between the toes of the hind legs the deer has scent glands, which it uses to mark its territory.

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