Location: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia
Habitat: Forest
Diet: Herbivore
Characteristic: Slender legs for running swiftly
Conservation: Least Concern
Deer Chital, scientifically known as Axis, are a captivating species of deer found across various regions in Asia. Also referred to as Spotted Deer, they boast a striking reddish-brown coat adorned with mesmerizing white spots, a feature that sets them apart from other deer species.
The Chital, belonging to the Cervidae family, is native to the Indian subcontinent, with significant populations in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and parts of Southeast Asia. Their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in diverse habitats, ranging from dense forests to open grasslands. Their agile and swift running abilities, combined with heightened senses of hearing and sight, aid in detecting predators like tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and crocodiles.
Adult Chital display sexual dimorphism, where males are larger and sport impressive antlers, while females lack antlers altogether. These herbivorous grazers exhibit a predominantly social nature, forming mixed-sex herds comprising females, juveniles, and young males. Mature bucks often prefer solitary lives, venturing into herds during the mating season.