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Introduction of Sambar Deer
A large deer that is native to India, Myanmar and Thailand. The sambar can also be seen in Taiwan.
They are introduced in Australia as part of the hunting game.
There are a few different names for the sambar, including the Java Rusa and the Philippine Deer.
In the Red List of Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Sambar deer is listed as "Vulnerable."
The Sambar population in India is around 50,000, which is significantly higher than the population of Sambars in Australia, which is approximately 5000.
Sambars choose to make their habitats in regions that are predominately comprised of dense vegetation, including meadows, shrubs, and forests.
They like residing in close proximity to waterways, especially rivers and streams.
Sambars are capable of reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour (48 kilometres per hour).
Scientific Name of Sambar Deer
Rusa unicolor
Physical Description of Sambar Deer
Sambars are the largest of the deer species, especially in comparison to other Asian deer.
Their height could be anywhere from 4 and 5 feet, depending on the individual.
The length of a Sambar, including its thick tail, which is around 1 foot long, can reach a maximum of 9 feet when measured from nose to tail.
Adult Sambar can reach weights of up to 500 Kg (1000 pounds).
The size difference between males and their female counterparts is typically quite significant.
The length of their antlers is approximately 110 centimetres, and they are extremely massive and gnarled.
Antlers are characteristic of male deer and are often found solely on the heads of male deer.
The body and legs of a sambar deer are covered with fur that is either brown or yellowish-brown colour.
On the bodies, there is a wide range of marks and markings that can be found.
Sambar, specifically the males of the species, are distinguished by the short but dense mane that grows on their faces. This trait is unique to the species among other deers.
They possess long, powerful legs that are darker brown on the exterior and lighter brown on the inside. Their formidable legs serve as their primary defensive tool against adversaries.
They have long ears that are a colour that is somewhere between brown and grey.
Life Cycle of Sambar Deer
Sambar have an average lifespan of between 20 and 26 years, but this number might fluctuate greatly depending on their environment.
Sambar engage in polygynous mating, which simply implies that a single male will have sexual relations with several different females.
Sambars have been seen urinating on themselves and even spreading their urine on trees to make a good impression on potential mates. This behaviour is thought to be a kind of courtship.
Sambars normally mate from September through January, making those months the peak of their breeding season.
The gestational period can extend anywhere from 7 to 9 months.
There is only ever one fawn born to a female Sambar deer at a time.
Shortly after birth, the babies gain the ability to walk, and they immediately begin to follow their moms around.
Calves are very active in the weeks immediately following their birth.
Their dark brown hair contains lighter parts throughout it; nevertheless, those lighter patches rapidly disappear with age.
They often begin eating solid food anywhere between 5 and 14 days after birth.
The lone parent of a Sambar family is the female, and the male plays no part in the process of raising the young.
Characteristics of Sambar Deer
The sambar is known to live in small groups or by itself.
Males spend the majority of the year alone except during breeding seasons, while females congregate in small groups of up to 10 to 16 individuals.
Sambar, much like many other kinds of deer, shed their antlers on an annual basis.
Sambars are nocturnal animals.
A deep forest or under shades is the preferred location they choose to spend their days.
Sambars are good swimmers.
Sambars use vocalisations to communicate with each other. They make loud noises to attract potential mates and bark alarm calls when they are threatened by other predator animals.
Diet of Sambar Deer
Their diet consists of various plant parts, such as herbs, fruits, leaves, and berries, among others plant parts.
Sambar Deer are also observed to ingest their shed antlers.
