Chital or cheetal (Axis axis), also known as the spotted deer, chital deer, and axis deer, is a deer species native to the Indian subcontinent.

Habitat

Spotted Deer is a type of wild animal that is widely distributed in Asia, especially in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan and a small group in Pakistan. Having habitats in forests and riverbanks, they can also be found in almost all countries in the tropics and subtropics.

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Diet

The Spotted Deer mainly feed on grasses throughout the year. They prefer young shoots, in the absence of which, tall and coarse grasses are nibble off at the tips. Browse forms a major portion of the diet only in the winter-October to January-when the grasses, tall or dried up, are no longer palatable. Their diets includes herbs, shrubs, foliage, and fruits.

Characteristics

Spotted Deer

The Spotted Deer is a slightly reddish brown with white spots on its body. Only males have antlers, and their bodies are larger than females. What we need to know is, their antlers can grow into three branches! In addition, their antlers can grow back if they are broken due to fighting. At Bali Safari Park, animal lovers can educate directly about these animals while riding an exclusive bus during the Safari Journey! You can also feed them directly by safari with a 4×4 Jeep!

Conservation Status

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The Spotted Deer is a low-risk species on the  IUCN Red List. Even though these animals can be found in almost all parts of the world, their population can continue to decrease due to loss of their natural habitat.

Therefore, Bali Safari Park as an animal conservation organization in Bali participates in preserving these animals. This is to help maintain their population in the wild. Animal lovers can also participate in wildlife conservation programs, let’s meet them at Bali Safari Park!