Spectacular deer of Sundarbans

The Spotted Deer is the animal most often seen in the Sundarbans. It is commonly found in the grasslands, where visitors can easily spot it. These deer come out in the morning and evening to look for food. Some travel in groups, while others move alone. Young deer stay close to their mothers. A group usually has several female deer and one or more male deer. When many deer gather together in the grasslands, they look very beautiful.
The deer has a golden or reddish-brown body with white spots all over it. Because of these spots, it is called the Spotted Deer. It is also known as the Chital Deer. Its scientific name is Axis axis.

Male spotted deer are a little different from the others. They are larger in size and have branched antlers on their heads. Local fishermen and forest workers in the Sundarbans often call a male deer “Shingel.” A male spotted deer can weigh up to 90 kilograms, while a female can weigh up to 60 kilograms. These deer are found in the forests of Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Spotted deer can be seen in many parts of the Sundarbans. However, the grassland-rich areas of Kotka, Kochikhali, Nilkomol, and Mandarbaria are considered ideal habitats for them. In the morning and evening, large groups of deer come out into these grasslands in search of food.

The Spotted Deer is a plant-eating animal. It eats grass, leaves, fruits, and tree bark. It especially likes the leaves and fruits of keora, shoila, crabwood, and baine trees. It also eats young leaves and vines. Soft, young ulu grass is one of its favorite foods. In the Sundarbans, spotted deer are often seen near monkeys. Local fishermen and forest workers tell many stories about their friendship. Monkeys and deer are commonly found together in the forest.

The Spotted Deer is the main food of the Royal Bengal Tiger in the Sundarbans. About 80% of a tiger’s food comes from spotted deer. So, if we want to protect the tiger, we must first protect the spotted deer. When there are enough deer in the forest, tigers can easily find food and survive. The tiger referred to here is the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Sadly, some people hunt spotted deer in the Sundarbans for meat. Some visitors also want to eat deer meat. This is harmful because deer are very important for the forest. There are many other sources of meat for people. But the Royal Bengal Tiger depends mainly on spotted deer for food. If deer numbers decrease, tigers may not get enough food.

So, we should stop deer hunting and help protect the spotted deer and the Royal Bengal Tiger. This will help keep the Sundarbans safe and healthy.

← New Article