All you want to know about : The Spotted Deer (Chital)

The Spotted Deer - also know as the Chital is one of the 4 types of deer found in Wayanad. The others being Sambar, Barking Deer and the Mouse Deer.

Scientific Name : Axis axis Erxebelen

Locally known as : Pulli-maan ("Pulli" means "spotted", "Maan" means "Deer")

Herd :
The Chital herd size may vary from 10 individuals to 50, led by mature stag(s). If the herd size is 20 or more, you will see multiple mature stags in the same herd and they are characterized by their darker coat and large antlers.

Habitat :
Chital deer prefer open grasslands which is where you will find them grazing during the day time. They bed-down during the night in open areas, the reason being, they will be able to see their adversaries approaching them when they are in the open grass-lands. You will also notice that these animals come and bed-down close to human habitation. This again gives them protection from the predators.

Distribution :
Chital is found throughout Wayanad. However, they don't prefer high altitudes and you are unlikely to find them on mountain peaks. They prefer the grasslands or the valleys and you are also likely to find them at or around watering holes during early morning and evenings.

Prey~Predator relationship :
The Chital is the favorite prey of most of the carnivores in these parts of the world. The main threat comes from Wild dogs, Tigers and Leopards. The only escape route they have is safety in numbers and by fleeing at the sight, smell of their predators. The Chital is a very inquisitive animal and this, at times is its downfall. They will stand their ground or even move closer to inspect anything unusual. Once it is alarmed, it will let out a shrill cry "Eeoooowww"...."Eeooooww" at regular intervals. They will also raise their small tail exposing the white patch under it. That warns the other animals in its heard that danger is afoot - beware.

Other interesting facts :
You are likely to see the Chital heard move along with the Langur monkeys or the Bonnet Macaque. It is a symbiotic relationship where each with its own strengths can warn the other regarding common threats like the Leopards. It is purely a functional relationship and there is very little to suggest that they both enjoy each other's company.

Direct and Indirect evidences :
Droppings - Pellets. Small pellets, dark green in color, oval in shape. 13mm long and 9mm in diameter.
Hoof prints - similar to a goats, 6cm long and 3.5 cm wide
Shed antlers, feeding signs, antler rubbing marks on the trees, alarm calls.

* Photo courtesy Jungle Retreat Wayanad farm at Wayanad.