Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor)

Sambar Deer in the morning

Following the moose and elk, the Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor) is the world’s third-largest deer. It occurs in entire South and Southeastern Asia – all the way from India, Nepal and China down to Borneo and Sumatra. Generally, the Sambar prefers forests and stays close to water (it’s a good swimmer, too). The deers can be found from coastal flats up to mountainous regions of more than 3000 m altitude. In January 2009, I had the chance to see these animals during a visit to Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, India. Most tourists come to this park to see one of the remaining wild tigers. The tours are conducted on open trucks and while tigers remain mostly elusive, the park is full of wildlife and definitely worth a visit!