Visitors to Nagarahole Tiger Reserve in Karnataka are likely to spot Spotted deer, whose population has steadily increased to 28 per sq. km.

About Nagarahole Tiger Reserve

• Location: Situated in the Western Ghats, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
• Water Bodies: Nagarahole River flows through the reserve and joins the Kabini River, which forms a boundary with Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
• Contiguity: Connected with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) and Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka).
• Recognition: Identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA), a Project Tiger reserve, and a Project Elephant reserve.
• Flora: Dominated by moist deciduous forests, including teak and rosewood trees.
• Fauna: Home to tigers, leopards, Indian gaur, elephants, spotted deer, and other wildlife.
• Tribal Presence: Jenu Kurubas (honey-collecting tribe) inhabit the reserve.

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About Spotted Deer (Chital)

• The spotted deer, also known as Chital (Axis axis), is one of the most common deer species in India and plays a vital role in forest ecosystems.
• Distribution
  • Native Range: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh (mainly in the Sundarbans).
  • Introduced Range: Andaman Islands (India), Argentina, Australia, Texas (USA), and other locations.
• Habitat: Found in deciduous forests, grasslands, and scrublands.
• Diet: Primarily grazes on grasses, leaves, fruits, and herbs, making it an important herbivore in forest ecosystems.
• Unique Habit: Exhibits placentophagy (eating placenta), a rare behavior among herbivores, aiding in predator avoidance by eliminating scent traces.
• Activity Period: Exhibits crepuscular behavior, being most active during dawn and dusk, though it occasionally forages during the day.
• Ecological Role
  • Serves as a primary prey species for large predators like tigers and leopards.
  • Aids in seed dispersal and maintains grassland ecosystems.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN Red List: Listed as “Least Concern” due to its wide distribution and stable population.
  • Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Included in Schedule II, offering protection from hunting.

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