Spotted Deer in the Sundarbans

The elegant spotted deer, also known as chital, are a visual delight in the Sundarbans. Their striking white spots contrast beautifully against their reddish-brown coats. These social animals are highly active during the day, often seeking shade beneath trees during the summer's peak hours. Visitors can often find them grazing in large herds in open areas such as Kotka and Hiron Point, particularly as dusk approaches when their main foraging period occurs. The herds, typically organized around a dominant male, provide ample opportunities for wildlife photography.

In contrast, barking deer, or muntjac, are more solitary and usually seen in groups of 2-3 individuals. They vary in coloration from deep brown to yellow or grayish brown with creamy markings on the underside. While barking deer are found in several countries across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam, and extending to China, India, and Sri Lanka, in Bangladesh, they occur only in the Sundarbans and the Chittagong Hill area. These deer inhabit thick woodlands and jungles, and are more likely to be spotted grazing in open areas during the day.

Both deer species play essential roles in the Sundarbans ecosystem. They serve as prey for predators like the Royal Bengal Tiger and help maintain plant species diversity. However, their populations are diminishing due to illegal hunting and habitat loss, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts to protect these vital creatures and their habitats.