[4] It exhibits morphological characteristics that are considered typical of insular dwarf cervids, such as small body size, shortened limbs, and hypsodont molars.

[5] The Ryukyu dwarf deer shows four distinct morphotypes based on each of the four islands it inhabits.

[5] In Kume, the metacarpal bones are more slender than other forms, while those from Ishigaki have a thicker, stouter shaft.

[6] However, a 2021 study using dental microwear texture analysis indicated that the Ryukyu dwarf deer was a mixed-feeder or grazer instead.

[8] Dental wear analysis suggests that the species had a long lifespan, up to 18-25 years, with low levels of juvenile and adolescent mortality.