Spotted deer, Chital or Cheetal

Description:

Skin coat is rust with white spots, and its underparts are also white. A black line on the top middle of the body. A very short tail. Its antlers, which it sheds annually, are usually three-pronged and most often in the 20" range, but can be higher. The world record occurred in India and is 41". They are herbivorous. Chital also eat their shed antlers as a source of nutrients, and will use mineral licks. There is a mutual understanding between Chital and monkey (langur). Monkeys help them to raise the alarm when a predator approaches.Chitals are also benefitted from fruits, branches dropped by the langurs from trees. Whereas chitals powerful sense of smell helps them to forage on the ground in presence of chitals. chital can run up to 40 mph (65 km/h). They remain in a group. When alarmed, chital will bark.

Habitat:

The spotted deer is found in large numbers in dense deciduous or semi-evergreen forests and open grasslands.The highest numbers of chital are found in the forests of India. Chital prefer to be near water and will drink in mornings and evenings in hot weather. This spotting was made in Sri Lanka.

Notes:

The spotted deer also known as 'chital' or 'cheetal' in India. Although this spotting was in Sri Lanka, we have seen hundreds of spotted deers in Indian forests too.