Chital (Axis axis)

female Chital in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

male Chital in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

The Chital (Axis axis) or Spotted Deer is the most abundant deer species of India, but occurs also in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Pakistan. In the 19th century, it was introduced to the Americas, Australia, as well as Europe. The animals form small groups (generally 5-10 individuals, occasionally many more) and live mostly in forests, but also enter open areas for grazing.

Chital are hunted mainly by tigers, leopards, and dholes. Interestingly, they seem to have noticed that these predators avoid humans and therefore the deers can often be found in close vicinity of villages even mixing with cattle at night. The species is not yet endangered as it occurs in a wide range at large numbers.

I have seen Chital during a visit to the Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, in January 2010 as well as in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, in September 2011. They are very graceful animals, although many tourists will get bored by their large numbers and omnipresence…