Spotted deer – aka “axis deer” or “chital” – are India’s emblematic deer; Axis axis is also India’s most widespread, most commonly-encountered deer species.
The local common name’s resemblance to “cheetah” is no coincidence; both names refer to the animal’s spotted coat.
Cheetahs were hunted to extinction in India; if current attempts to reintroduce them prove successful, cheetahs will resume their former place in the chital’s long list of predators.
Click here to discover more about spotted deer/chital; eventually, Pelican Yoga will devote a multi-image post to them.
Photo is copyright Doug Spencer, taken at 5.40 pm on 05 March 2023 in Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka.
Hi Doug have enjoyed reading your comments and some great photos