The Yakushima deer, also known as Yakushima sika deer, is a subspecies of sika deer found exclusively on Yakushima Island in Japan. These deer are medium-sized, with males typically weighing between 50 to 90 pounds. They have a distinctive coat that changes color with the seasons, featuring spots that help them blend into their forest habitat. Yakushima deer are herbivores, primarily feeding on leaves, grasses, and fruits. They play a crucial role in their ecosystem by helping to disperse seeds and maintain plant diversity. Due to their limited range, conservation efforts are in place to protect their population and habitat on Yakushima Island.