Chital, Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

© James Warwick/Getty Image

High deer life. Chital, Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Today's image features a chital in Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh. Also known as the spotted deer or axis deer, this species is native to the Indian subcontinent. From the forests of eastern Rajasthan and Gujarat in the west to the Terai, Sikkim and Bhutan's valleys, the chital thrives in diverse habitats, favouring elevations below 1,100 metres. The males, larger than the females and adorned with striking three-pronged antlers that can grow nearly a metre long, are a sight to behold in the wild.

Bandhavgarh, with its lush landscapes and rich biodiversity, is the perfect home for these deer. This sanctuary spans 716 square kilometres and supports a dynamic ecosystem. The chital, abundant here, plays a vital role in the food chain as the primary prey for the majestic tigers and Indian leopards. Alongside the chital, Bandhavgarh is also home to elusive species like the Indian wolf, striped hyena and the rare caracal.