Distant relatives of elk and moose, the Sambar Deer will come right up to you, when you visit Horton Plains. They are amazingly large with a gentleness that surprises you. These regal, wild, and dignified creatures are near-threatened, and are an absolute joy to witness and observe as you explore the wilderness in Sri Lanka. Learn everything there is to know about the Sambar Deer before you organize your trip.
Scientific Classification:
Rusa unicolor unicolor, the Sri Lankan Sambar Deer is a subspecies of the kind that is spread all over in the South Asian region. They belong to the Cetartiodactyla order, in the Cervidae family. They are also considered to be one of the largest of their species, and has the biggest antlers in both body and size.
Characteristics:
The Sambar Deer are large brown animals, with a rather coarse fur, and a shaggy appearance overall. The neck and throat hairs of the Sambar Deer are elongated and erect when they are excited or alerted. In older males, these hairs can become very long and mane-like. Only some of the male deer have antlers, which are three-tined, and are about 80cm in length, and 18cm in basal girth. An adult Sambar Deer could weigh up to 130 – 300 kg, reaching 1.4m in shoulder height. They lifespan is about 20-26 years.
Behaviour:
Sambar Deer are herbivores, and graze on a range of plants depending on forage availability, and also munch on fallen fruit. They feed during the late evening, night and early in the morning, typically staying hidden in the daylight. They rest during the hot hours of the day by standing or lying down in the cool parts of the forest. You might see older stags laze around in muddy waters, when you go on safari rides at Yala or Wilpattu. The Sambar Deer at Horton Plains are accustomed to the human presence and would even greet your vehicles as you enter the park premises.
Habitat:
Sambar deer in Sri Lanka prefer forest-grassland ecotones, like the Horton Plains, and other national parks. Their numbers have gone down in the past few years, due to habitat shrinkage and hunting. The species is now judged to be ‘Vulnerable’ in the Global Red List and ‘Near Threatened’ in the National Red List by the IUCN. The Department of Wildlife Conservation, along with the wildlife parks in Sri Lanka work tirelessly to ensure a safe environment for Sambar Deer, so be mindful of that when you visit their home.
Images sourced from Thimindu Goonetillake
