I'm not sure of course, but they seem very different than the other subspecies of Cervus elaphus I've seen. I thought at first they were 'some weird' form of David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus)... Also, XinJiang is of course very close by, and as most of the animals originate in China, I'd think they would bring them in from XinJiang. I may be wrong though.
Thinking and being sure are 2 separate things. There are quite a few red deer type species in Chinese zoos. Hence, my query as to them really being Yarkand deer.
As for P.R.China there are maral and shou type and the Central Asian like Yarkand (and Buchara deers). So, we have a choice there ...
The mystery continues ..... I suppose.
But I am sure we both would like to know for sure.
You know, I have noticed there isn't really any 'good' book or a guide that can shed some more light on this subject… I mean, of course, there are plenty of descriptions but some pictorial guidance would be a relief…
