India is home to **seven species of deer**, each of which is found in different habitats across the country. These species include:

### 1. **Chital (Spotted Deer) – *Axis axis***

– Found in forests, grasslands, and protected areas, particularly in **national parks** like **Ranthambore**, **Bandipur**, and **Jim Corbett**. The chital is known for its distinctive white spots on a reddish-brown coat.

### 2. **Sambar Deer – *Rusa unicolor***

– Native to **India**, **Nepal**, and **Sri Lanka**, the sambar deer is found in **forests** and **hills**. They are large, dark-colored deer, and their antlers are large and robust. **Jim Corbett** and **Kanha National Park** are known to have sambar populations.

### 3. **Muntjac (Barking Deer) – *Muntiacus muntjak***

– Found in **hilly forests** and **woodlands**, especially in the **Himalayas** and the **Western Ghats**. Muntjacs are small, solitary deer known for their distinctive bark-like call.

### 4. **Nilgai (Blue Bull) – *Boselaphus tragocamelus***

– The **largest antelope** in India, the nilgai is found in the **grasslands** and **plains** of northern and central India, especially in **Rajasthan**, **Uttar Pradesh**, and **Gujarat**. Though it is not technically a true deer, it is often categorized with deer in terms of its family and behavior.

### 5. **Kashmir Stag (Hangul) – *Cervus hanglu* **

– The Hangul, or Kashmir stag, is native to the **Kashmir Valley** and is critically endangered. It is the only species of deer found in the region and is known for its majestic antlers.

### 6. **Barasingha (Swamp Deer) – *Rucervus duvaucelii* **

– Found in the **swampy grasslands** of **Uttar Pradesh**, **Madhya Pradesh**, and **Assam**, the barasingha is notable for its large antlers, which have multiple tines (12 in some cases). It is an endangered species and is a focus of conservation efforts.

### 7. **Pere David’s Deer – *Elaphurus davidianus***

– Native to **China**, but a small population of this deer has been successfully reintroduced into **India** after nearly becoming extinct in the wild. They are typically found in **protected reserves**.

These species of deer are an important part of India’s diverse wildlife and are found in different ecosystems, ranging from **grasslands** to **mountainous forests**. Some, like the **Kashmir stag** and **barasingha**, are critically endangered and are the focus of conservation programs to prevent their extinction.