Mammals of Sri Lanka-Spotted deer

Spotted deer Axis axisCheetal, තිත් මුවා,                                                                                              Axis deer, Chital, Chital deerThe Spotted deer is a deer which commonly inhabits wooded regions of Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and in small numbers in Pakistan. The Spotted deer is called Thith Muwa in Sinhalese. It is the most common deer species in forests of Sri Lanka. The Spotted deer's coat is reddish fawn, marked with white spots, and its underparts are white. Its antlers, which it sheds annually, are usually three-pronged and curve in a lyre shape and may extend to 75 cm (2.5 ft). Compared to the hog deer, its close relative, the Spotted deer has a more cursorial build, its antler pedicles are proportionally short and its auditory bullae is smaller. It also has large nasals. It stands about 90 cm (3 ft) tall at the shoulder and masses about 85 kg (187 lb), although males tend to be larger than females. Its lifespan is around 20–30 years. Sri Lankan axis deer are active primarily during early morning and again during the evening, but they are commonly observed near waterholes anytime. The Sri Lankan axis deer eats primarily grasses, but it also eats fallen fruits and leaves. The Sri Lankan axis deer graze closely with langur, peacock, wild buffalo, and sambar. They usually lives in groups of between 10-60 animals, though herds may include up to 100 animal.  Habitat: Forests and Grass land.Distribution: Low country dry forests, savannas, and shrub lands. Very rarely, these deer inhabit dry mountain areas.Status: Common