Spots and Hogs Sunday

Deer

We were delighted when a Spotted Deer family emerged from the woods onto the beach. Though distant, we could see the males with their distinctive antlers, the females, and several young. They are the most common deer in South Asia, indigenous to several countries, including Nepal. Also known as Chital, they are a primitive species, described in early Hindu writings in 3000-2000 BCE.

On our drive out, we saw

this female Hog deer. Hog Deer are smaller than Spotted Deer and are found in the grasslands.

This male Hog Deer is still growing out his antlers, which will consist of a long straight beam with a fork on the end, plus a small straight tine off its base.

Though I managed to get the focus on the blades of grass and not the deer, this photo lets you see the shape of the antlers.

Spotted Deer or Chital Axis axis, Hog Deer Axis porcinus

Chitwan National Park, Chitwan, Nepal

March 14, 2025