Calamian Deer

Common Name: CALAMIAN DEER
Scientific Name: Axis calamianensis
Local Name: Usa

Conservation Status: This species is classified by the IUCN as Endangered, wherein its extent of occurrence is estimated to be less than 5,000 km2 due to severe habitat fragmentation with an extreme fluctuation in the number of mature individuals. The main threat then is habitat decline as well as excessive hunting for food. The species is also banned for trade (unless permitted in exceptional circumstances) under CITES Appendix 1.

Axis calamianensis This species was previously common to fairly common in the wild, preferring grasslands and second growth. However due to habitat fragmentation and excessive hunting, the species is well becoming rare in the wild. In any event, these deer are now abundant on Calauit Island, Northeastern Palawan. In 1993, a "Calamian Deer Conservation Program" was launched under the aegis of a Memorandum of Agreement between the DENR and the Zoological Society of San Diego. Captive breeding of the species is being conducted in the San Diego Zoo, California.

It is an endemic species restricted in the Palawan Faunal Region. The species is absent from Coron Island, and has been greatly reduced in numbers on Busuanga and Culion Islands. A 1992 survey by W.L.R. Oliver and C.I. Villamor indicated that "the species survived in only a few, more isolated parts of these islands, and on several neighboring islets".