# Timor deer

> A plant-eating deer using grasslands and wooded areas. Population origins matter because people have introduced this species to many locations.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/timor-deer/ · Updated 7 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/rusa-timor/
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**Review status:** Approved by team on 2026-10-07. Approval covers this version’s narrative, facts, quick answers and recorded locations in both languages.

## Quick answer

The Timor deer (*Rusa timorensis*) is a mammal in the family Cervidae. Range in Indonesia: Native to Java and Bali; probably introduced long ago to Nusa Tenggara (including Timor), Sulawesi and Maluku, and later to Papua and other islands. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Native to Java and Bali; introduced to other Indonesian islands and abroad. Diet: grasses and other plants; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Rusa timorensis* |
| Former scientific name | *Cervus timorensis* |
| Indonesian name | Rusa Timor |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Cervidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Native to Java and Bali; probably introduced long ago to Nusa Tenggara (including Timor), Sulawesi and Maluku, and later to Papua and other islands |
| Linked habitats | [Savannas](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/savanna/) |
| Diet | Grasses and other plants |
| Antlers | Present in males |
| Other name | Javan rusa |
| IUCN status | Vulnerable · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/4262397) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Regulation P.106/2018](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · annex no. 32 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — grasses, herbs, and leaves and bark of shrubs · [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41789/22156866) |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/) |
| Active | Cathemeral (active irregularly by day and night) — This day-and-night pattern was documented in a camera-trap survey in Baluran National Park, East Java. · [Exploring temporal activity of dholes, their prey, and competitors in East Java, Indonesia (Havmøller et al. 2024, Ecology and Evolution; PMC)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11224129/) |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — Native to Java and Bali; introduced to other Indonesian islands and abroad · [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41789/22156866) |

## Common names and distribution history

Rusa timorensis is also known as Javan rusa. The American Society of Mammalogists account separates Java and Bali origins from probable ancient introductions to Timor and other islands. A common name is not evidence that a population is native. Maps should distinguish native range, human introductions and animals in care.

Evidence: [American Society of Mammalogists — Rusa timorensis taxonomy and distribution](https://www.mammaldiversity.org/taxon/1006324/)

## A flexible plant eater

These deer eat grasses and other vegetation and can use varied environments. Grasslands supply food, while wooded areas provide a different part of the living landscape. Adaptability does not mean every site is suitable or that adding deer always benefits an ecosystem.

Evidence: [University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web — Rusa timorensis](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Rusa_timorensis/) · [Queensland Government — Introduced rusa deer context](https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/biosecurity/animals/invasive/restricted/rusa-deer)

## Antlers and observing behaviour

Male antlers differ from the permanent horns of banteng or anoa. Body form and behaviour can vary with development and breeding season. Do not touch, hand-feed, or approach for an antler photograph; leave space for natural movement even when an animal appears accustomed to visitors.

Evidence: [University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web — Rusa timorensis](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Rusa_timorensis/)

## Native roles and introduction impacts

A herbivore can be an important part of its native ecosystem while causing problems where introduced. Queensland, for example, manages rusa as introduced wildlife. That policy is not Indonesian law; it illustrates why release decisions cannot be based simply on wanting more animals in nature.

Evidence: [Queensland Government — Introduced rusa deer context](https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/biosecurity/animals/invasive/restricted/rusa-deer)

## Do not move deer independently

Introduction history and impacts explain PanduanHewan’s recommendation against moving or releasing deer independently. Origin, health, habitat and authorisation need appropriate assessment; Queensland guidance is not Indonesian law. Follow park instructions and avoid feeding during visits. The Komodo dragon and savanna profiles explain links with predators and habitat.

Evidence: [American Society of Mammalogists — Rusa timorensis taxonomy and distribution](https://www.mammaldiversity.org/taxon/1006324/) · [Queensland Government — Introduced rusa deer context](https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/biosecurity/animals/invasive/restricted/rusa-deer)

## Scientific classification of the Timor deer

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Cervidae |
| Genus | *Rusa* |
| Species | *Rusa timorensis* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Timor deer

### What is the scientific name of the Timor deer?

The scientific name of the Timor deer is *Rusa timorensis*, in the family Cervidae. In Indonesian it is called Rusa Timor. A former scientific name still often used: *Cervus timorensis*.

### What kind of animal is the Timor deer?

The Timor deer is a mammal in the family Cervidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a grasses, herbs, and leaves and bark of shrubs. It is also endemic to Indonesia.

### Where does the Timor deer live in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, this guide records the Timor deer in: Native to Java and Bali; probably introduced long ago to Nusa Tenggara (including Timor), Sulawesi and Maluku, and later to Papua and other islands.

The Timor deer is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Native to Java and Bali; introduced to other Indonesian islands and abroad. Source: [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41789/22156866).

Source-supported habitats: [Savannas](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/savanna/).

### What does the Timor deer eat?

Diet of the Timor deer: grasses and other plants. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41789/22156866).

### How does the Timor deer reproduce?

The Timor deer reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/).

### Is the Timor deer nocturnal?

The cited source records the Timor deer as cathemeral (active irregularly by day and night). This day-and-night pattern was documented in a camera-trap survey in Baluran National Park, East Java. Source: [Exploring temporal activity of dholes, their prey, and competitors in East Java, Indonesia (Havmøller et al. 2024, Ecology and Evolution; PMC)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11224129/).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Timor deer?

Scientific classification of the Timor deer: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Artiodactyla, family Cervidae, genus *Rusa*, species *Rusa timorensis*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Timor deer endangered?

Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the Timor deer is listed as Vulnerable: it is considered to face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/4262397), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is the Timor deer protected in Indonesia?](#protected)

### Is the Timor deer protected in Indonesia?

Yes. The Timor deer (*Rusa timorensis*) is a protected species in Indonesia under [Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) (annex, entry 32).

Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.

If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

### Can the Timor deer be kept as a pet?

No. Because the Timor deer is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.

If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

## Sources & references

1. [American Society of Mammalogists — Rusa timorensis taxonomy and distribution](https://www.mammaldiversity.org/taxon/1006324/)
2. [University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web — Rusa timorensis](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Rusa_timorensis/)
3. [Queensland Government — Introduced rusa deer context](https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/biosecurity/animals/invasive/restricted/rusa-deer)
4. [Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf)
5. [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41789/22156866)
6. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/)
7. [Exploring temporal activity of dholes, their prey, and competitors in East Java, Indonesia (Havmøller et al. 2024, Ecology and Evolution; PMC)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11224129/)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Savannas](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/savanna/)
- [Banteng](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/banteng/)
- [Komodo dragon](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/komodo-dragon/)
- [Sulawesi babirusa](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/sulawesi-babirusa/)
- [Sambar deer](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/sambar-deer/)
- [Agile wallaby](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/agile-wallaby/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Timor deer. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/timor-deer/