H2_W3_004

Date: July 2011

Location: Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

Did you know?

The Chital or Cheetal, also known as the Spotted Deer is a deer species native to the Indian subcontinent. However, herds were taken to many other locations including Europe, Australia, and the US, and can be found there as well. The Chital is found in large numbers in dense deciduous or semi-evergreen forests and open grasslands.

About the picture

I was In Bandipur National Park in July 2011 one of the wettest months in the park. It had been raining all day and animals were trying to find shelter under trees and shrubs. While travelling within the park, we came across a herd of Chital. Suddenly I saw this female Chital standing by herself in the rain, on a carpet of flowering plants. I hurriedly grabbed my camera and took this picture.

Fun Fact

Chital, especially males with newly emerging velvet antlers, are known to gnaw bones and fallen antlers for their minerals. Chital in the Sunderbans may potentially be omnivores since the remnants of red crabs have been found in the stomachs of some Chital.