The Chital, also known as the Axis deer, are indigenous to regions in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh. This deer species is most prevalent in Indian forests, where they feed on tall grasses, branches, shrubs and even fruit that has fallen thanks to monkeys in the trees. Male Axis can weigh up to 165 pounds and stand up to 35 inches at the shoulder. Females can weigh up to…
Curious about why animals like deer, elk, and caribou have antlers? Antlers mainly come on males, although in rare cases some females do have them. They are made of bone, and thus are filled with blood. They serve a few functions, from a form of defending themselves against predators to a way of knocking food from trees. They also allow these animals to dig spaces into the ground for them…
[caption id="attachment_9817" align="alignleft" width="300"] Can you see me?[/caption] If you play Peekaboo with our animals, then you might want to have some food handy!
[caption id="attachment_1855" align="alignleft" width="300"] Photo Credit: Airwolfhound[/caption] "Père" is the French word for "Father," which might seem an odd name for a deer, but this species was actually first discovered in 1866 by Father Armand David, a French missionary in China. These animals have unusual feature including cow-like hooves, a camel-like neck, a donkey-like black tufted tail and the antlers of a deer. Other unusual features of this deer are…
[caption id="attachment_3285" align="alignleft" width="178"] Credit DiverDave[/caption] Père David's deer is named after a French missionary who was working in China and sent back several samples of the previously unknown deer in 1866. This species of deer is currently extinct in the wild but was indigenous to the subtropical areas of Asia. Père David's deer can grow up to 3.9 feet at the shoulder and stretch out to about 7…
[caption id="attachment_1706" align="alignleft" width="152"] Sika deer in Japan[/caption] You might think that if you've seen one deer, you've seen them all! The Sika deer, however, is not your average deer. In fact, they are quite unique! Native to Japan and much of East Asia, the Sika is one of a few species that do not lose their spots as they mature! Those spots, along with their delicate appearing legs, are…