CHITAL OR AXIS DEER 



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Antlers of Chital. 



CHITAL or AXIS DEER (Cervus axis). 



This beautiful species is distinguished from all the other members 

 of the Rusa-like deer, except the Philippine spotted deer (C. alfredi^ 

 by the body being profusely spotted with white at all seasons and 

 all ages ; the general colour of the upper-parts being light rufous 

 fawn, with a dark stripe from the nape to the tip of the tail and 

 a black band on the muzzle. Height at shoulder from 36 to 38 

 inches ; live-weight estimated at about 200 Ibs. Antlers supported 

 on short pedicles, long, slender, and moderately rough ; the brow-tine 

 making nearly a right angle with the beam, and the front tine of the 

 terminal fork, which forms the continuation of the beam, much the longer. 

 Distribution. India and Ceylon. 



The Ceylon chital (C. axis zeylanicus) has relatively small and light 

 antlers, and also differs somewhat in coloration from the large typical 

 race of Central India. There is also a small continental form (C. 

 axis minor}. 



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