Sri Lankan Axis Deer

The Sri Lankan Axis Deer (axis axis ceylonensis) or Ceylon Spotted Deer is a subspecies of axis deer (axis axis) that inhabits only Sri Lanka. It is called Thith Muwa in Sinhala and Pulli Maan in Tamil. The name chital is not used in Sri Lanka although it is the name used throughout the sub continent. The Sri Lankan Axis Deer is the only other subspecies of the chital deer other than the Indian Chital (axis axis axis). It belongs to the Cervidae family under the Artiodactyla order.

Description

The axis deer’s coat is pinkish fawn, marked with white spots, and its underparts are white. Its antlers, which it sheds annually, are usually three-pronged and curve in a lyre shape and may extend to 75 centimeters. Compared to the hog deer, its close relative, the chital has a more cursorial build, its antler pedicles are proportionally short and its auditory bullae are smaller. It also has large nasals. It stands about 90 centimeters tall at the shoulder and masses about 85 kilograms, although males tend to be larger than females. Its lifespan is around 8–14 years.

Habitat and Diet

These deer are mostly in the Dry Zone and inhabit lowland dry forests, savannas, and shrub lands. Very rarely, these deer inhabit dry mountain areas. The Sri Lankan axis deer eats primarily grasses, but it also eats fallen fruits and leaves. They graze closely with langur, peacock, wild buffalo, and sambar.

Behaviour

They are active primarily during early morning and again during the evening, but they are commonly observed near waterholes anytime. They usually live in groups of between 10-60 animals, though herds may include up to 100 animals. The chital has a protracted breeding season due in part to the tropical climate, and births can occur throughout the year. Males sporting hard antlers are dominant over those in velvet or those without antlers, irrespective of their size and other factors. Stags commonly bellow during the rut. Hinds birth one fawn, rarely two, at a time. Chital are generally silent when grazing together. They do however make high-pitched chuckles when walking. When grazing chital do a "courtesy posture" when they pass each other. When alarmed, chital will bark. When in danger, they run in groups. They will make bursts of high-speed running and then soon tire and dive into heavy cover to hide.

Conservation

Unlike the mainland axis deer (Axis axis) which is plentiful, Sri Lankan axis deer populations are considered to be vulnerable. Threats include hunting for meat and deforestation. Historically, axis deer were found in very large numbers in the entire dry zone of Sri Lanka, but these numbers have been significantly reduced. Axis deer are important prey for the Sri Lankan leopard as well as for sloth bears and jackals. Today several thousands of these deer are found in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan axis deer are mainly found in protected areas in the dry zone, with a small number of herds living outside the protected forest areas. Large herds can be found only in protected areas.

Sri Lankan Leopard

The Sri Lankan Leopard (panthera pardus kotiya) is the island’s top predator and is also one of nine recognized subspecies of Leopard. It is an endemic animal to Sri Lanka and classified as endangered by the IUCN. Of the four species of wild cats found in Sri Lanka, the leopard is the largest. In Sinhala the Leopard is now called Diviya and in Tamil it is called Puli.  

Description

Leopards have lithe, elongated bodies supported on relatively stocky legs and broad paws. Sri Lankan leopards are generally larger in size than their relatives elsewhere. As with other leopards, the coat is a tawny or rusty yellow, marked with the dark spots and rosettes so characteristic of this species; individual markings are unique. Being the sole large carnivore in Sri Lanka it helps to determine the population density and health of prey species such as spotted deer.

Habitat and Diet

It has been observed in a variety of habitats including dry evergreen monsoon forest, arid scrub jungle, low and upper highland forest, rainforest, and wet zone intermediate forests. A recent study has shown that Yala National Park has one of the highest recorded densities of leopards in the world. Its diet includes small mammals, birds, reptiles as well as larger animals. Axis or spotted deer make up the majority of its diet in the dry zone. The animal also preys on sambar, barking deer, wild boar and monkeys. The cat has also been known to tackle almost fully grown buffalos.

Behavior

It is undoubtedly the most cunning of the larger cats and is also stealthy and highly adaptable. It silently stalks its prey until it is within striking distance where it unleashes a burst of speed to quickly pursue and pounce on its victim. The prey is usually dispatched with a single bite to the throat. They are solitary nocturnal hunters but are also active during dawn and dusk. There appears to be no birth season or peak, with births scattered across months. A litter usually consists of 2 cubs. Leopards have a distinctive call which is more like a cough that sounds like a wood plank being cut with a saw. Other sounds that leopards make include growling when aggressive, spitting and snarling when threatened and purring when contented. Leopards in the wild live for 15-20 years.

Conservation

The survival of the Sri Lankan leopard is threatened due to poaching, habitat loss and human-leopard encounters. Years of civil unrest in Sri Lanka have hampered conservation efforts. The Leopard is protected under the Fauna and Flora Ordinance of 1938. Recent studies show that there should be more effective measures to protect the declining leopard population. Associations such as The Leopard Project under the WWCT and the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society are closely working with the Sri Lankan Government to ensure this occurs.