Fauna
Mammal

Indochinese Hog Deer

Axis porcinus

Also known as Indian Hog Deer, Hog Deer, Para Deer

Indian hog deer navigate dense riverine floodplains with a characteristic head-low running gait that resembles a scurrying pig rather than a leaping deer. Unlike social herd species, they are primarily solitary or form small, loose family groups that feed together during early morning and late afternoon. When alarmed, they produce a sharp whistle-like warning bark before bounding away with the white underside of their tail raised to flash a signal to nearby conspecifics.

HerbivoreCrepuscular
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyRiverine grasses, Sedges, Fallen wild fruit
Predators
  • Bengal Tiger
  • Leopard
  • Dhole
ThreatsAgricultural encroachment, hydrological alteration from dams, and poaching
HabitatsRiverine grasslands, alluvial floodplains, swamp margins, and reedbeds
Life span10–14 years in the wild
  1. OrderArtiodactyla
  2. FamilyCervidae
  3. GenusAxis
  4. SpeciesAxis porcinus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Look for a stocky deer with relatively short legs, a rounded back, and a uniform brown coat occasionally flecked with faint spots.
Support conservation
Keep ample distance, avoid flushing them out of protective tall grass cover, and adhere strictly to designated reserve trackways.
Responsible observation
  • Observation Timing: Scan tall grassland edges at dawn or dusk when deer emerge to forage.
  • Field Etiquette: Remain quiet and concealed in hides, as their acute hearing triggers swift retreat.
Keep collecting in Fauna

Found in Collections

Ecosystem chain

The Forest Floor

Indochinese Hog Deer is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.

—/12
Continue in the app
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…