All about Chital or Spotted Deer

Scientific Name

Axis axis

Common Names

Chital, Spotted Deer, Cheetal, Axis Deer

Physical Description

Size: Males: 90 cm (35 in), Females: 70 cm (28 in) at the shoulder.
Weight: Males: 70–90 kg (150–200 lb), Females: 40–60 kg (88–132 lb).
Antlers: Three-pronged, nearly 1 m long.

Color: Golden to rufous with white spots; abdomen, rump, throat, insides of legs, ears, and tail are white.
Tail: 20 cm long with a dark stripe.
Sexual Dimorphism: Males larger, only males have antlers.
Hooves: 4.1 to 6.1 cm long.

Fossils

Found from Iran to Indochina; Middle Pleistocene deposits in Thailand.
Related Species: Extinct Axis species.

Distribution and Habitat

Range: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka.
Australia: Introduced in the 1800s; now in North Queensland.
USA: Introduced to Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Texas.
Croatia: Brijuni Islands, Rab Island.
Colombia: Puerto Triunfo, Antioquia.

Range

The western limit is eastern Rajasthan and Gujarat. Northern limit extends through the Terai, northern West Bengal, Sikkim to western Assam, and forested valleys in Bhutan below 1,100 m elevation. Occurs in the Sundarbans and some ecoparks around the Bay of Bengal. Locally extinct in central and north-eastern Bangladesh. Southern limits are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Sri Lanka. Sporadically found in forested areas across the Indian Peninsula.

Behavior and Ecology

Activity: Diurnal; peaks at dusk and early morning.
Movement: Single file, 2–3 times their width apart.
Herd Structure: Matriarchal; small herds, up to 100 individuals.
Predators: Indian wolves, tigers, leopards, etc.
Vocalizations: Bellows, alarm barks.

Diet

Feeding: Grazers and browsers.
Main Diet: Grasses, young shoots.

Reproduction

Breeding: Year-round with peaks geographically.
Gestation: Newborn hidden for a week.
Lifespan: 5–10 years in the wild, 22 years in captivity.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Least concern.
Threats: Local extinctions due to hunting and livestock competition.
Legal Protection: Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972), Bangladesh Wildlife (Preservation) (Amendment) Act (1974).
Introductions: Andaman Islands, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, etc.
EU Regulation: Added to the list of invasive alien species, import banned from 2 August 2022.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements with reference to Chital (Spotted Deer):

1. It is classified as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List.

2. It is legally protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972).

3. Its range extends to India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

Answer: b) Only two

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. IUCN Red List: Least concern.