brown-deer-on-brown-soil
The sambar is one of the largest deer species in Asia and the primary prey of the tiger across much of India. A robust, dark-coated deer with large ears and shaggy mane, the sambar is well adapted to dense forest environments and is an exceptionally strong swimmer. It is highly vigilant and uses a distinctive alarm call — a loud, resonant 'dhank' — to warn other animals of approaching predators.
Average Length
2.4 m
Average Weight
270 kg
Lifespan
12-20 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Quick Facts
Sambar is the largest deer in India and the preferred prey of tigers.
Stags produce a distinctive alarm call — a loud bark — to warn of predators.
They are strong swimmers and regularly enter lakes and rivers to feed on aquatic plants.
Tiger tracking in most Indian parks relies heavily on following sambar alarm calls.
Habitat & Range
Habitats
Regions
Behavior & Reproduction
Activity Pattern
Crepuscular
Social Structure
Small groups or solitary
Gestation Period
8 months
Litter Size
1
Predators
Tigers, Leopards, Dholes, Crocodiles
Found in Parks
Jim Corbett National Park
Uttarakhand
Ranthambore National Park
Rajasthan
Kanha National Park
Madhya Pradesh
Pench National Park
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra
Mudumalai National Park
Tamil Nadu
Sariska Tiger Reserve
Rajasthan
Bandipur National Park
Karnataka
Melghat Tiger Reserve
Maharashtra
Kuno National Park
Madhya Pradesh
Nagarhole National Park
Karnataka
Bandhavgarh National Park
Madhya Pradesh
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
Maharashtra
Periyar National Park
Kerala
Gir National Park
Gujarat
Dudhwa National Park
Uttar Pradesh
Panna National Park
Madhya Pradesh
Rajaji National Park
Uttarakhand