
Sambar Deer
Sambar Deer
Sambar Deer
In the tropical rainforests and mountainous regions of India and Southeast Asia, lives the sambar deer, a large deer known for its impressive antlers. These majestic creatures, named for their distinctive call that echoes through the forest, are facing a growing threat. Let's delve into the fascinating world of the sambar deer and explore the challenges they face.
Sambar Deer Basic Infomation
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Property | Value |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Rusa unicolor |
Taxonomic Status | SPECIES |
Rank | SPECIES |
Vernacular Names | Sambar Deer |
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Mammalia |
Order | Artiodactyla |
Family | Cervidae |
Genus | Rusa |
Habitats | Tropical rainforests, mountainous areas |
Conservation Status | Vulnerable |
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Size
Male sambar deer measure about 5.2 to 6.9 feet (1.6 to 2.1 meters) in length and can weigh up to 400 to 770 pounds (180 to 350 kilograms). Females are smaller, measuring about 4.6 to 5.9 feet (1.4 to 1.8 meters) in length and weighing around 176 to 330 pounds (80 to 150 kilograms).
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Lifespan
They live for about 15 to 20 years in the wild, and can live for over 25 years in captivity.

Distribution
They are found in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and southern China. They are adaptable to a variety of habitats, including tropical rainforests, wetlands, dry forests, and mountainous areas. They prefer to be near water and are often seen visiting water sources for drinking and bathing.
Sambar Deer Q&A
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What kind of deer is the sambar deer?
The sambar deer is a large deer species belonging to the genus Rusa.
They are widely distributed in India and Southeast Asia. They are also called 'sambhar deer' or simply 'sambar.' They are known for the thick, sturdy antlers of the males. The antlers are shed after the breeding season and regrow the following year. Sambar deer are adaptable to a variety of habitats, including rainforests, wetlands, dry forests, and mountainous areas. They are nocturnal, meaning they are mainly active in the evenings and at night. They can be found alone, in small groups, or in large herds near water sources. The sambar deer is listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List, which means they are facing a threat of extinction. Their numbers are declining due to habitat destruction and poaching. To protect sambar deer, it is important to conserve their habitat and prevent poaching.
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What are sambar deer antlers like?
Male sambar deer have three-pronged antlers called 'antlers.'
The antlers are made of bone and grow from their heads. They are shed and regrown each year. New antlers start growing in the spring and reach their full size in the fall. They are shed in the winter. The size of the antlers varies with age and health, and males with larger antlers are more attractive to females! Antlers are used as weapons when males compete for females during the breeding season. They can also be used for self-defense against predators. Females do not have antlers.

What do sambar deer eat?
Sambar deer are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants, including grasses, leaves, fruits, and bark.
They change their diet seasonally. In spring, they eat new shoots and young leaves. In summer, they eat grasses and fruits. In the fall, they eat acorns and chestnuts. They may also lick soil to get essential minerals. When food is scarce, they may eat the roots and small plants of other plants.
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[Quiz!] What kind of sound does a sambar deer make?
The sambar deer is known for its distinctive call, a loud, 'poil' sound.
This call is often heard during the breeding season when males call out to females. They also make various other sounds, such as 'gaah' and 'guff.' They vocalize when they sense danger or to call out to their companions.
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[Quiz!] How fast can a sambar deer run?
Sambar deer can run at speeds of about 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers per hour).
They use their long legs and strong muscles to run powerfully. This helps them escape from predators. However, they do not have much stamina and cannot run long distances.

[Quiz!] Are sambar deer endangered?
The sambar deer is listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.
This means that they are at high risk of extinction in the near future. Their numbers are declining due to habitat destruction and poaching. To protect sambar deer, it is essential to conserve their habitat and prevent poaching.

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Sambar Deer Type of List
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Subspecies of Sambar Deer
- Indian sambar (Rusa unicolor unicolor)
- Sri Lankan sambar (Rusa unicolor unicolor)
- Horsefield's sambar (Rusa unicolor equinus)
- Philippine sambar (Rusa unicolor philippinus)
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Sambar Deer References
Sambar Deer Introduction of media used
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Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pratheepps, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

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