Species · GBIF taxon 2440934
Chital
Axis axisAlso known as Spotted Deer, Axis Deer, Indian Spotted Deer
These elegant, social deer gather in large herds, often associating with langur monkeys that drop fruits and sound alarms for predators. Their striking rufous coats remain spotted throughout their lives, providing excellent camouflage in the dappled light of forest understories. Active throughout the day, they alternate between grazing in open grasslands and resting in the shade during the hottest hours.
SocialHerbivoreDiurnal
Licensed referenceGiles Laurent / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Grasses, herbaceous plants, fallen leaves, and fruits
- family
- Cervidae
- threats
- Habitat fragmentation, poaching, and competition with domestic livestock
- life Span
- 10 to 15 years in the wild
LC
Rutting males and protective mothers can charge; observe from a safe distance.
Antlers and sharp hooves can cause severe puncture wounds or lacerations if a deer charges when cornered or during the rut.
Never approach wild deer, feed them, or get between a mother and her fawn.- Listen for alarms: Pay attention to the sharp bark of the deer or the alarm calls of nearby langurs.
- Keep your distance: Avoid approaching closely, especially during the autumn mating season when males are aggressive.
- Watch the ears: Alert deer point their ears forward and stand rigid when they sense danger.