Spotted Deer

The Spotted Deer, also known as the Axis Deer or the Chital, is native to the grasslands and forests of India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It is the most common form of deer species that is found in the Indian subcontinent. The Spotted Deer is a medium sized animal with a reddish-brown coat with a white underbelly. The prominent features of these deer are the white spots that are seen all over their body, hence the name. Spotted Deer are herbivorous in nature and are preyed upon by lions, tigers, crocodiles, wild dogs, and even the rock python.

Physical Characteristics

What makes the spotted deer stand out are its physical features which include its coat of dark to reddish brown color with white spots all over the body. It has white inner legs and underbelly, with a very visible black stripe that runs along its spine. The spotted deer is a medium sized animal weighing between 30 to 75 kg with a length of 90 to 95 cm, and females weighing between 25 to 45 kg with a length of 75 to 100 cm. Mature males have antlers which are 3 tined and can grow up to 75 to 100 cm long.

Habitat and Distribution

The Spotted Deer is found in its native countries of India, Nepal, Bangla, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bhutan. Apart from these, the spotted deer have also been introduced to other countries such as Australia, Hawaii, Croatia, Brazil, and New Zealand. In India, the Spotted Deer is found in regions of dense forests and shady areas. The Spotted Deer loves to stay in open grasslands and prefers evergreen forests as its residence.

Diet

The Spotted Deer is herbivorous in nature and gets its feed from vegetation, grasses, fruits, and shrubs found in forests. One fun fact about the spotted deer is that they may even consume their own shed antlers if the food that is available to them is lacking essential vitamins and minerals.

Reproduction and Lifespan

There is no fixed breeding season and happens throughout the year, but most occur during the months of June and July. After which the female commonly gives birth to 1 offspring since twins are rare, after a gestation period of about 225 to 235 days. The fawn weighs 3 kg at birth and is nursed by its mother until 6 months of age.

The lifespan of Spotted Deer is between 9 to 13 years in the wild and increases to 18 to 20 years when in captivity.

Behavior and Social Structure

The Spotted Deer are highly social animals and are often found in herds of 20 to 30. The adult females of the species form matriarchal herds, where it consists of 2 or more family groups. Males have their own hierarchical system where larger and older males dominate the smaller ones, where the size and thickness of their antlers also play an important role in determining superiority among other males. When the herd is grazing, one of the elders watches out for predators, and on sensing one they keep their head erect and stamp the ground with a loud thud. Their sense of sight may not be very good but it is compensated by their hearing and so the main form of communication between the chital is through vocalization.

Conservation Efforts

Spotted Deer are primarily hunted for their meat and skin. According to the IUCN’s Red list, Spotted Deer has been classified as least concern since it is widespread throughout its range across countries. Even though they are abundant in number, they are still vulnerable to threats like poaching, habitat loss, and diseases and function as an important prey base for many endangered species of Bengal tigers, Dhole, and Asiatic Lions. The majority of Spotted Deer in India today lives in the national parks and sanctuaries of the country and is hence protected from outside threats.

Amazing Facts about Spotted Deer

• The spotted deer is the most common species of deer to roam in India.
• Spotted deer sometimes consume their own shed antlers.
• The Spotted deer gets its native name Chital from the Sanskrit word ‘Chitrala’, which means spotted or marked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you find the Spotted Deer in India?

You can find Spotted Deer in the protected reserves of:

• Ranthambore National Park
• Bandhavgarh National Park
• Pench Tiger Reserve
• Jim Corbett National Park
• Dudhwa National Park

Where else are Spotted Deer found other than India?

Apart from India, the spotted deer have also been introduced to other countries such as Australia, Hawaii, Croatia, Brazil, and New Zealand.

Do all spotted deer have antlers?

Only the male spotted deer have antlers which can grow up to a length of 75-100 cm long and are 3 tined.

How long does Spotted Deer live?

The lifespan of Spotted Deer is between 9 to 13 years in the wild and increases to 18 to 20 years when in captivity.

Are Spotted Deer an endangered species?

Spotted Deer is not an endangered species and has been classified as least concern since it is widespread throughout its range across countries according to the IUCN’s Red list.

Why are antlers important for Spotted Deer?

Antlers play an important role in the social structure of Spotted Deer, since they signify authority over other males. The males with longer and thicker antlers are considered superior over other deer.