The chital (also spelled "cheetal") is a large spotted deer which commonly inhabits wooded regions of Sri Lanka and most of India. It has also been introduced to Australia. Its coat is reddish fawn, marked with white spots, and its underparts are white. Its antlers, which it sheds anually, curve in a lyre shape and may extend to 75 cm.
Chital most commonly occur in herds of ten to fifty individuals comprised of one or two stags and a number of females and young. They are extremely nervous animals, and will start at the slightest provocation.
Chital eat primarily grasses and vegetation, but also eat their shed antlers as a source of nutrients.
A chital stands about 90 cm tall at the shoulder and masses about 85 kg.
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Last updated: 10-17-2005 23:35:51
