Deers in India

Deer are the ruminant mammals forming the family Cervidae; moose, elk, and reindeer are deer and within the Cervidae family. A number of broadly similar animals from related families within the order Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates) are often also called deer. Male deer of all species (except the Chinese water deer) grow and shed new antlers each year – in this they differ from permanently horned animals such as antelope – these are in the same order as deer and may bear a superficial resemblance. The Musk deer of Asia and Water Chevrotain (or Mouse Deer) of tropical African and Asian forests are not true deer and form their own families, Moschidae and Tragulidae, respectively. All other animals in Africa resembling deer are antelope.

Sambar Deer

Classification :
Kingdom :Animalia
Phylum :Chordata
Class :Mammalia
Order :Artiodactyla
Suborde : Ruminantia
Family : cervidae
Subfamily: Cervinae
Genus :Cervus
Species : C. unicolor
Zoological name :Cervus unicolor

Found In :
Kanha, Corbett, Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Gir, Dudhwa, Manas, Kaziranga National Park in India

Physical appearance : Sambar deed stands to a height of 135 -150 cm at the shoulder and can weigh up to 300 kg. Males have antlers measuring up to 1m. Its coat is dark brown in colour. It is characterized with large muzzle and broad ears. It has tick fur and orange spots on its body. Males are larger than the females. Its tail is 22- 35 cm long. Males have thick mane of hairs around the neck.

Presence in India : Sambar deer is found in almost every corner of India, But it is mainly found in the central India. They can easily be spotted at Kanha, Corbett, Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Gir, Dudhwa, Manas, Kaziranga and Sariska.


Habitat : Sambar Deer prefers marshy and wooded areas to live.

Diet : Sambar deer feeds on leaves, vegetation, herbs, fruit, bamboo buds and mushrooms.

Reproduction :The breeding period is mainly during the months of November and December. The gestation period rests for almost 6 months after which single offspring is born. The young ones are weaned at about 7 months of age.

Conservation status : Least concern

Lifespan : The life expectancy of Sambar Deer exceeds up to 16 -20 years of age.