What is the Difference Between Deer and Sambar Deer?

The main differences between deer and sambar deer can be found in their size, color, and habitat. Here are the key differences:

1. Size: Sambar deer are generally larger than other deer species. They can weigh up to 1,200 pounds and stand up to 5 feet tall, while other deer species, such as the red deer, weigh between 260 and 530 pounds and stand up to 4.3 feet tall.
2. Color: Sambar deer have a yellowish-brown or amber coat that becomes grayer in the fall and winter, while red deer have a reddish-brown coat in the summer that fades into a grayer color in the fall.
3. Antlers: Among all the deer species, the antlers of sambar deer are unique due to their Rusine antler structure.
4. Habitat: Sambar deer are native to the Indian subcontinent, South China, and Southeast Asia, while other deer species are distributed across various continents. Sambar deer prefer dense cover of deciduous shrubs and grasses, which can vary greatly depending on their environment due to their wide Asian range.
5. Behavior: Sambar deer are active during the night (nocturnal) or at dusk (crepuscular) and live in small herds.
6. Subspecies: Deer is a group of mammals with more than 60 extant species, whereas sambar deer is one particular species with eight subspecies.

In summary, sambar deer are larger, have different antler structures, and live in specific habitats compared to other deer species.

Comparative Table: Deer vs Sambar Deer

Here is a table comparing the differences between deer and sambar deer:

[source: 1]

In addition to these differences, sambar deer have a yellowish-brown or amber coat that becomes grayer in the fall and winter months. Males have larger, more complex antlers with three main branches and multiple tines, which can grow up to 100 cm or more. Sambar deer are nocturnal or crepuscular and live in small herds.