Sambar Rusa unicolor is a large deer native to the Indian subcontinent, South China, and Southeast Asia. It is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List since 2008; for various reasons its population having declined substantially in recent years. It typically weighs between 100 to 350 kg and is surpassed only by the moose and elk among the cervid species. Only the males have antlers.It is nocturnal, being most active during twilight hours, prefers dense forest cover and stays close to water.In Gir National Park, it forms the main prey source for the Asiatic Lion.
Picture shot on March 25, 2019 around 6 PM, with a Canon DSLR EOS 550D, focal length 200 mm, aperture f /5.6, shutter speed 1/250 sec.