Datian Slope Deer Nature Reserve

　　   Datian Slope Deer Nature Reserve is situated along the highway in Dongfang City, Hainan. It is a national nature reserve, about 20 kilometers from Dongfang County. Established in 1976,

　　   it is home to over 400 slope deer and more than 100 other species of wild animals. The Datian Slope Deer Nature Reserve is the only habitat of the Hainan slope deer in China. Like the giant panda and the golden snub-nosed monkey, the Hainan slope deer is a Class I nationally protected precious animal. Every part of the Hainan slope deer is considered medicinal. Aside from being an attraction, it holds significant value for scientific research and medicine.

　　   The antlers of the slope deer are more nutritious than those of other deer. Slope deer are fast runners and good jumpers—they can leap over a 5-meter ravine when startled—and they prefer to live along the edges of hillsides covered with thick bushes and dense weeds.

　　   Slope deer can run and jump skillfully, leaping over 5-meter ravines when frightened, and they prefer to inhabit the edges of hillsides overgrown with shrubs and dense weeds.

　　   They have keen vision, hearing, and a strong sense of smell. Male deer use calls to attract mates, while female deer call to their fawns—these sounds can be heard from as far as one kilometer away. Climbing to the watchtower in the reserve offers views of herds of deer at play. Slope deer are especially fond of the color red, and they often come out in groups at sunrise or sunset. This is the best time to view them from the tower, and occasionally you might also spot other wild animals such as wild boars.

　　   The Hainan slope deer in the Datian Slope Deer Nature Reserve resemble sika deer in appearance, but the most noticeable difference is the antlers of the males. Sika deer antlers curve backward, whereas slope deer antlers extend forward, featuring a large, curved brow tine that connects with the curved main branch behind to form a unique, large-angle arc.

　　   The antlers of the slope deer curve forward, forming a large, curved brow tine that links with the curved main branch behind to create a distinctive, wide-angled arc.

　　   The slope deer in the Datian Slope Deer Nature Reserve are adept at running and jumping, capable of leaping over 5-meter ravines when startled, and they favor the edges of hillsides where bushes and weeds grow thickly. Their vision, hearing, and sense of smell are all very sharp. Male deer use vocalizations to seek mates, and females call to their fawns—these sounds can be heard even when they are a kilometer apart. From the watchtower in the reserve, you can observe groups of deer playing. Slope deer are particularly attracted to the color red, and they often emerge in groups at sunrise or sunset. This is the best time to view them from the tower, and you might even occasionally spot other wild animals such as wild boars.

　　   They have highly sensitive sight, hearing, and smell. Male deer rely on calls to find mates, and females call to their fawns—these sounds can be heard even when they are a kilometer apart. Climbing to the reserve’s watchtower allows you to watch groups of deer at play. Slope deer are especially drawn to the color red, so they often come out in groups at sunrise or sunset. This is the best time to view them from the tower, and you may even occasionally see other wild animals like wild boars.

　　   They are highly sensitive to sight, sound, and smell. Male deer use calls to attract mates, while females call to their fawns—these can be heard even when a kilometer apart. Climbing to the watchtower in the reserve offers a great view of the deer at play. Slope deer are especially fond of the color red, and they often come out in groups around sunrise or sunset. This is the best time to view them from the tower, and you might even spot wild animals like wild boars.

　　   They are especially fond of the color red, and often come out in groups around sunrise or sunset. This is the best time to view them from the watchtower, and you may even occasionally see other wild animals such as wild boars.

　　   The Hainan Datian Slope Deer Nature Reserve was upgraded to a national nature reserve in 1986. It is one of the top ten designated tourist attractions in Hainan Province. The Hainan slope deer is a Class I nationally protected, rare, and endangered animal. The Hainan slope deer was designated as the mascot of the first Coconut Festival by the People's Government of Hainan Province.

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　　   -- Dan Dan.

　　   According to reserve staff, there are about 300 slope deer in the base, which are more frequently seen around 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or after it rains when they often come out in groups from the bushes to play. It is said that Datian is the origin of the “Deer Turns Its Head” legend in Sanya—the deer that transformed into a beautiful woman ran away from here. That’s why there is a stone carving in the Datian Slope Deer Nature Reserve inscribed with “Source of the Deer Turns Its Head.”

　　   Reserve keepers report that there are about 300 slope deer in the reserve, which are more commonly seen around 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or after rainfall when they tend to emerge in groups from the bushes. Legend has it that Datian is the origin of the “Deer Turns Its Head” story in Sanya—the deer that turned into a maiden escaped from this area. As a result, there is a stone engraving in the Datian Slope Deer Nature Reserve that reads “Origin of the Deer Turns Its Head.”

　　   It is said that Datian is the root of the “Deer Turns Its Head” legend in Sanya—the deer that turned into a beautiful woman ran away from here. Therefore, there is a stone carving in the Datian Slope Deer Nature Reserve that says “Source of the Deer Turns Its Head.”