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Roar & Rove

Spotted Deer

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Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)

LIFE SPAN
  • In the Wild: Generally lives between 10-15 years.
  • In Captivity: Can live up to 20 years with proper care.
Body size
  • Hights: Males stand about 90-100 cm (35-39 inches) at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller.
  • Weight: Males typically weigh between 50-85 kg (110-187 lbs), and females range from 30-50 kg (66-110 lbs).
Native habitat
  • Geographical Range: Found across the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
  • Habitat: Prefers a variety of environments such as dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, and grasslands. They are often found near water sources.
Diet
  • Grasses: Form the bulk of their diet, especially during the rainy season.
  • Fruits and Leaves: They also consume fallen fruits, flowers, and tender leaves.
  • Bark and Twigs: During the dry season, they may feed on tree bark and small twigs.
Spotted Deer (Axis axis)

The Spotted Deer, an elegant herbivore, is a charming sight in the diverse ecosystems of Sri Lanka. Renowned for its graceful appearance and distinctive markings, this deer species is a keystone herbivore in its habitat.

Physical Characteristics: The Spotted Deer, also known as the Chital, is medium-sized, typically standing 90-100 cm (35-39 inches) at the shoulder for males, while females are slightly smaller. Males generally weigh between 50-85 kg (110-187 lbs), and females range from 30-50 kg (66-110 lbs). Their coat is reddish-brown with white spots, providing excellent camouflage in their forested habitats. Males have impressive, three-pronged antlers that can grow up to 100 cm (39 inches) long.

Habitat: This deer species thrives in a variety of environments, including dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, and grasslands. They are often found near water sources such as rivers and lakes. In Sri Lanka, they are commonly seen in national parks and protected areas, where their habitats are preserved and they have access to ample food and water.

Diet: The Spotted Deer has a diverse diet that includes:

  • Grasses: Their primary food source, especially during the rainy season.
  • Fruits and Leaves: They also consume fallen fruits, flowers, and tender leaves.
  • Bark and Twigs: During the dry season, they may feed on tree bark and small twigs.

Their feeding habits help maintain the ecological balance by aiding in seed dispersal and vegetation control.

Behavior: Spotted Deer are social and diurnal creatures, forming large herds led by a dominant male. They are vigilant and rely on their keen senses to detect predators. Their distinctive alarm call, a sharp bark, serves as a warning to the herd. These deer are also known for their grace and agility, often seen moving swiftly through their habitats.

Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, the Spotted Deer has a stable population, though they face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and competition with livestock. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and sustainable wildlife management.

Lifespan: In the wild, Spotted Deer generally live between 10-15 years. In captivity, with proper care, they can live up to 20 years.

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