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This handsome deer is similar to the sambar,
but with a shorter coat, lighter colouring and lighter build.
The stags bear fine antlers, sometimes up to 12 tines (or
points) - hence the name barasingha (bara - 12, singha -
tines).
Kanha holds the only remaining population
of barasingha in peninsular India. In 1970 these were down
to only 66, but now after careful management, the population
numbers about 400. These are found mainly on the meadows
around Kanha village, but recently they seem to have been
spreading to other areas of the Park.
Barasinghas congregate in mixed herds, all-male
herds or female-and-young herds, and are sometimes seen
singly. The rut occurs in the cool season - during this
period the stag can be heard making their 'bugling' rut
call (like a very loud and repeated donkey's bray), and
seen fighting with locked antlers. This helps establish
and maintain dominance orders within the group.
Food
Grasses.
Breeding
Peak rut January. Usually single fawn.
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