Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) is the largest among Indian deer and is common in forested hillsides (preferably near cultivation), woodland and open scrub, and dense forest up to 2500 m altitude. It has a mane on the neck and throat. Coat is coarse and shaggy and is generally brown in color with a yellowish or grayish tinge. Females are lighter in tone. Antlers are stout and rugged.
Sense of smell and hearing are accurate but power of sight is only reasonable. They move silently in the dense jungle despite their size and also swims well. Grass, leaves and various kinds of wild fruits form the diet. Average height is 140 cm and weighs 225 to 320 kg.
Mating takes place in November or December. Young ones are produced at the commencement of the rains, in late May or early June. Gestation period is approximately 240 days.
