Sambar Deer : A Review on Status, Distribution, Conservation, and Commercial Potential in Peninsular Malaysia

Sambar deer (Rusa unicolour) are native to most parts of Asia, including Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, and India. Listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, the animal has recently been introduced into the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Although they can easily adapt to a wide range of habitats, the population of Sambar deer in the wild has dramatically declined, and this may be attributed to poaching, illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss when jungles are cleared for development. This article provides the status and distribution of Sambar deer in Peninsular Malaysia and protection efforts to conserve this species in the country. It also highlights the potential of Sambar deer commercial farming in Peninsular Malaysia as part of the conservation programme and meeting human demand