Chital

Axis axis

Size: 1.1–1.5 m · 30–75 kg
Diet: Herbivore
Activity: Diurnal
Sociality: Herd
Lifespan: —

Chital is a spotted South Asian deer that forms conspicuous herds along woodland and grassland edges. Where introduced, it can affect vegetation and native wildlife.

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Key facts

Chital (Axis axis) is a herbivore animal classified as Mammal · Artiodactyla · Cervidae.
Primary habitats are forest · grassland, with a range across Indomalayan.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is herd, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
Chital is a spotted South Asian deer that forms conspicuous herds along woodland and grassland edges.
It inhabits deciduous forest, woodland edges, grassland, and open areas near water on the Indian subcontinent.

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It inhabits deciduous forest, woodland edges, grassland, and open areas near water on the Indian subcontinent. Main habitat types in this guide are forest, grassland.

Appearance

Typical length 110-150 cm, weight 30 kg-75 kg. A reddish coat with white spots and three-tined antlers in males are typical.

Behavior

It is diurnal and a herd-forming species. Herds graze and browse while responding to alarm calls from deer and other animals such as langurs.

Feeding

It is herbivorous. Grasses, leaves, fallen fruit, and shoots are eaten.

Reproduction

Females bear single fawns whose spotted coat helps them hide in cover.

Notes

Although still widespread in places, it remains sensitive to habitat change. Where introduced, it can affect vegetation and native wildlife.