In a time when wildlife explorations are jungle expeditions are quite common, and people mostly visit wildlife places to discover the big cats, the deer species in India has also become one of the most popular varieties that attract a large number of wildlife enthusiasts. There are different types of deer species that are integral to the ecosystem of the country.
Are you aware of the major herbivorous population of India? The deer in India is one of the most popular varieties that can be found. Among the lush green landscapes, wildlife and forest regions, there are families of antelopes, barking deer, sambar, chital, etc., that can be found in India.
There are millions of tourists in India who explore the savage, rugged mountainous landscapes and demarcate the deer zones for the largest deer species (which are marked by antlers and which blend into the ecosystem) and smaller species, such as the mouse deer. India contains about 12 distinct types of deer species, many of which are endangered, but they play a significant role in the country’s overall ecosystem.
Interestingly, smaller species of deer are also found in India, depending on the climate and available vegetation. In the overall ecosystem maintenance of the country, the deer in India affect plant and tree growth, they maintain a steady forest composition as their staple food consists of grass, shrubs and small trees.
Types of Deer in India? Go through a Quick Overview
Deer species in India belong largely to the Cervidae family, and deer a hoofed mammals, and there is a rich and multilayered tapestry of their subspecies that inhabit the land. Right from the ravishing white-tailed deer to the mule, moose and elk, the deer varieties in India are known for their agility, keen sensitivity and the way they adapt to diverse habitats in the whole world.
The deer in India is not just prey to the carnivores, but through their rummaging in the forest, foraging, and leaving their excreta, they also contribute significantly to the environment. Through this, they also maintain the overall ecological balance of the system.
There are also different endangered deer species in India. Due to persistent poaching, establishment of human settlements, etc., the Hangul or Kashmir Deer, Sangai or Barasingha found in Manipur is endlessly threatened. Among the deer species in India, the 12 popular ones ie. Sambar, Chital, Barasingha, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Kashmir Stag, Sangai, Indian Mouse Deer, Axis Deer, Indian Muntjac, Indian Hog Deer, and Thamin. Each has its own uniqueness in physicality and how it survives in diverse climatic and weather conditions.
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Why Are Deer Species in India So Diverse? Go through pictures of deer
Since the deer species in India are large and varied, there are factors like climatic variability, space in which they breed, amount of food and fodder served to them, etc. help in the growth of this species in India.
The last time I was in Corbett, I enjoyed frolicking with deer amidst the silhouettes of the blue, serene sky and the cold temperate climate. Do you know what is surprising about Chital? In the trails of Corbett, while we were exploring the animal habitats, the guide told us that a Chital can get an alarm from the Himalayan Langur if there is a predator around.
It is not just about contemporary times, but the different types of deer in history and mythology also find appropriate representation. They are gentle, we find deer motifs in artworks, in crafts and even on major textile works and mythology in India. Pictures of deer symbolise grace, kindness, gentleness, and mercy.
List of 12 Different Deer Species Found in India
1. Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor)
Among the deer species, the Sambar is one of the most popular antler types. It is the largest deer found in the Oriental landscape, and it is known for its rugged physicality and the coarse and glossy brown texture of its hide.
On our recent trip to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, we found a whole herd of Sambar near the tributaries and rivulets. These types of Indian deer can be 140-160 cm tall, and their weight can vary from 275-300 kg. The rich, prolific Indian vegetation allows the Sambar deer to grow in the Western Ghats, central parts of India, the Himalayan region, and also in the northeast states.
2. Spotted Deer / Chital (Axis axis)
The axis deer, or spotted deer and chital, is one of India’s largest deer species. It is primarily a spotted variety in the male and female ranges, and they retain the spots throughout the seasons. The male deer with large antlers is more majestic, and most Chitals also have a symbiotic connection with the langur monkey varieties in the ecosystem.
The full-bodied Chital weighs about 100 kg, and they are widely distributed in the forests of central, southern, and northern regions of India, and even in Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. They are found in deciduous forests, also in areas that have fruit trees, and herds of Chitals might also be found in shrublands and plantation areas. They are also susceptible to major poaching activities and loss of habitat.
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3. The Hog Deer (Axis Porcinus)
Among the different types of deer, the hog deer is slightly smaller than the Chital, and the way it jumps, leaps, and moves is like a hog, hence the name. It has a long body, but has short legs, and the colour of its skin can vary from coffee brown to reddish brown. I still remember the glimpse of the setting sun in the distant sky, when I photographed a group of Hog deer in the Dudhwa National Park.
They have an astounding sensitivity to smell, taste, and visuals, so when they saw me clicking, they ran as fast as they could. One interesting fact about the Hog deer that the tour guide told us was that they breed a lot during the monsoon season, and hide their baby fawns in grassy lands, usually covered with tall grass.
4. Kashmir Stag / Hangul (Cervus hanglu)
If you are keen on exploring the various deer species in India, you can also check out the Kashmir Stag or the Hangul, an endangered deer species in India. It is also found in swamp forests, Dachigam National Park of Jammu and Kashmir regions, and areas of Himachal Pradesh.
The deer has a rich brown colour and majestic antlers. Under the IUCN Red List, it falls under one of the critically endangered species due to overgrazing, reduced deer population, and lack of food availability in remote Himalayan locations.
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5. Barking Deer / Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak)
Barking Deer or Muntjac is one of the most popular pictures of the Indian deer species. It is found in dense forests, in the grasslands, and also in mountainous regions that have dense forest cover. It is a popular Indian deer species, and the males have short antlers, canine teeth, and a brown coat.
It is the smallest deer species, and the tusks and canines that the Muntjac has are mainly for self-protection. They bark to alert their herd members and other animals in case of impending danger.
6. The Sangai or the Brow-Antlered Deer of Manipur
Manipur is aptly called the ‘jewel of India’. Among the types of deer species, the Manipur brow-antlered or Sangai deer is found near the Loktak Lake in Manipur. Under wildlife sanctuaries and conservation projects, this curiously named dancing deer is considered to be one of the most endangered species. It is the state animal of Manipur and is found in the Keibul Lamjao National Park.
This type of deer generally has a short tail; interestingly, the female deer gives birth to fawns throughout the year. The habitat of the Phumdi is a threat to their growth, and the people of Manipur have undertaken reformative measures to protect this endangered variety of deer.
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7. Indian Mouse Deer
Isn’t the name a combination of deer and mouse? What do you think? If you are only curious about the name, then let me tell you, there are almost ten species of this same creature that can be found all over the world.
These have spots or stripes like squirrels on their brown skin, and are mostly found near waterbodies, and sometimes, they even spend sufficient time remaining submerged in water. This variety of deer is herbivorous and eats fallen fruit from nearby trees.
8. Swamp Deer / Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii)
The predator and prey relationship among the deer species of India allows for the coexistence of various species, therefore contributing to the richness and biodiversity of the regions in India.
Some existing case studies about the swamp deer suggest that in the Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, and the Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve in Uttarakhand, this species has been reintroduced and propagation. In 2005, about 320 swamp deer were rediscovered in Jhilmil Lake.
9 .Musk Deer (Moschus moschiferus) of Kashmir
It is one of the types of deer species that has a special gland for scent production and is found in the Himalayan regions. It usually has fang-like tusks. One interesting fact about this deer species in India is that they talk to each other through their excreta.
These types of deer generally have limited vocalisation techniques but use the excreta sites to convey messages to each other. One clever way to defend themselves when a predator attacks them is that they can suddenly jump midair and distract the predator.
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10. Himalayan Musk Deer
These deer types are found in the high-altitude areas of the Himalayan territory. They are small, mostly love to remain away from human or other animal curiosities, and have a prominent white patch on the lower portion of their bellies. The Indian name for this deer is Kasturi. It is also one of the endangered varieties listed under the IUCN.
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11. The Alpine Musk Deer
If you have ever been to Kedarnath, then you would have heard about the Alpine Musk deer. This variety of Indian deer is endangered, as classified by the IUCN. Appendix I also lists it in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It is sad how the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary could not save and breed these deer, and they eventually died, and the sanctuary was closed in 2006.
12. Dusky or Black Musk Deer
Black as the night? Or is it about the combination of dusk and musk? The black musk is one of the rarest species of deer in India. This variety maintains a steady territoriality and loves to live as singles. One interesting fact about this musk deer is that the male member is accustomed to fighting for a mate and is much more ferocious than other deer types. The kind of mating system they follow is polygynous.
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Endangered Deer Species in India
There are several endangered deer species in India, many of which face constant threats due to their loss of habitat, intentional killings for their hide and antlers, and also due to deforestation. The total population ratio of Hangul, Barasingha, and Musk deer of Kashmir is declining rapidly. The musk deer are especially highly threatened by hunters in the Himalayan belt.
The deer grazing helps maintain the overall forest cover, promotes plant growth, and allows for timely decomposition. Their mobility disperses numerous seeds in different directions, causing new trees to develop, and deer species contribute to the general preservation of biodiversity and India’s rich ecological habitat.
The Wildlife Protection Act 1972, or Project Hangul, has contributed greatly to the conservation of these species. Although several measures to protect them have been taken, the IUCN Red List is mainly about those species which are on the verge of extinction.
The Largest and Smallest Deer Species in India
The Mouse deer is one of the smallest deer species that thrives in India because of the rugged mountains, lush forest lands, and the overall distribution of the vegetation cover. The Sambar is one of the largest varieties of Oriental deer that prefers shaded, more dense forest covers, whereas the Barasingha and the Chital are more accustomed to open spaces. The types of deer species are also found in the Himalayan region, like Hangul or Kashmir stag, which is more used to the cold climatic conditions.
How to Identify Different Types of Deer in India
After such a long list of deer species in India, are you confused? Worry not. While you undertake a deer safari in the wildlife parks, you can check out their skin colour, size, type of antlers, living area, food habits, and know that the chital has spotted skin while the barasingha has multiple coloured layers on its horns. Hangul has a prominent colour pattern, whereas the Musk deer or Kasturi has a fragrant sweat gland. Do not be under the impression that all deer with antlers are male, or that, if the deer is spotted, it is always young.
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Interesting Facts About the Indian Deer Species
In our country’s multifaceted cultural and religious context, the deer species in India are unique. The Hangul is the only red variety, the Chital can given an open alarm when there is a carnivore or a hunter, the musk deer is unique for its tusk and gland, the Sangai mostly thrives on swampy and marshy land areas, and the deer has a mythological connection – it is known that Lord Buddha gave his first sermon in a deer park. The deer in Hindu mythology is about calmness and gentleness, and also has a profound impact on the overall ecology of the country.
Conservation of Deer in India: Current Efforts and Challenges
There are various endangered deer species in India. Kanha, Dachigam, and Keibul Lamjao protect important species like the Hangul, the Barasingha, and the Sangai. Due to poaching, hunting, deforestation, land cutting, lumbering, etc., a large number of deer families are facing a threat. WWF-India, WTI, and anti-poaching efforts target the deer species’ survival, recovery, and conservation. It is noteworthy how, during the 1970s, the government of Jammu and Kashmir made a pact with the WWF to preserve Hangul.
Where to See Deer Species in India: Top Wildlife Sanctuaries
Some top parks and wildlife sanctuaries for the Indian deer species include Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Keibul Lamjao. Wildlife enthusiasts can visit these parks from November to April and experience pleasant weather. Early morning or late afternoon jungle safari is the best way to learn more about the types of deer species and their natural habitat.
True, India has a large number of different deer species. All types of Indian deer, including chital, sambar, Barasingha, and others, help to preserve the forest’s biological balance. Each deer species in India is unique in terms of feeding habits, breeding and mating seasons, and longevity.
The government is actively combating poaching and hunting to provide the Indian wildlife deer with a safe environment. Individual tourists and explorers should consider conservation when visiting deer in India. Your journey won’t feel complete if you don’t spot these majestic deer while travelling in India!
Manoj Babal is a travel enthusiast and digital marketer. He has more than 5+ years of experience in wildlife and writes mostly about places he has spent time in, and loves to create compelling travel-inspired stories. When Manoj is not working on digital marketing strategies, you can find him engaging in travel activities.
