The Indian hog deer, known scientifically as Axis porcinus, is a small deer species native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. Its name comes from its distinctive movement, where it runs with its head held low, similar to a hog, allowing it to duck under obstacles rather than leaping over them. This behavior helps it navigate dense vegetation in its preferred habitats.
Physical Traits
The Indian hog deer has a compact and stocky build, contributing to its “hog-like” appearance. A mature male, or stag, stands about 70 centimeters (28 inches) at the shoulder and weighs about 50 kilograms (110 pounds), while females are smaller, about 61 centimeters (24 inches) tall and weighing about 30 kilograms (66 pounds). Their coat is a uniform dark brown in winter, with lighter underparts on the body and legs. Many individuals display a dark stripe along their spine from head to tail. Males grow antlers with three points, which can reach up to 60 centimeters (24 inches) in length and are shed annually in spring.
Where They Live
The Indian hog deer’s native range extends across the Indo-Gangetic Plain, encompassing northern India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and parts of Pakistan. It also occurs in mainland Southeast Asia, including Myanmar and western Thailand. This deer primarily inhabits grasslands, floodplains, and dense riverine forests, often found near water sources. Its ability to move through thick undergrowth with its head low is a physical adaptation well-suited to these environments, allowing it to navigate dense vegetation efficiently.
Daily Life and Diet
Indian hog deer are solitary, though they may form small groups when food is abundant in open fields. They are often crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), but may become nocturnal in areas with human disturbance or hunting pressure. When startled, they make whistling sounds or coughing barks as an alarm. They are also capable swimmers, readily entering water when pursued. Their diet consists of grasses, leaves, and other plant materials, and they may consume agricultural crops.
Conservation Efforts
The Indian hog deer is classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. The species faces threats, including habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural expansion and human encroachment. Poaching for meat and antlers also contributes to population declines, as does competition for resources with livestock. Conservation initiatives include establishing protected areas, such as Manas National Park in India, where efforts are underway to revive populations. Reintroduction and breeding programs are also being explored to preserve the species in areas where it has disappeared.