Axis deer are also called Chital deer or spotted Indian deer.  In India, the axis deer population has declined mainly through habitat loss. 
It is considered to be the most beautiful of deer, with a bright reddish coat marked white spots that remain throughout life. Their antlers are large, 22-27”, but simple, usually with only three points.

Axis deer can usually be found near a stream with a ravine for shelter.  They prefer territory with woody vegetation for cover and open areas for feeding. Size of the home range varies with habitat but averages 2 1/2 square miles. Axis deer are less nocturnal than most deer, usually feeding for four hours after sunrise.  Then they seek water and rest in the shade during the midday heat, returning to feed for a few hours before sunset.

Where there are no predators, their numbers grow to the point they destroy their own habitat.   Axis deer do not seem to be territorial but may fight, often with serious consequences, for possession of the females.  Rutting males emit bugle like bellows and both sexes have alarm calls or barks. 

Axis deer are good swimmers with no fear of the water.

Axis Deer

Axis axis