Axis deer

This attractive spotty deer grazes the grassland and open woodland of Southern Asia, living in large mixed herds of 100 or more males, females and young. These deer prefer to be near water and often graze underneath groups of langur monkeys. The monkeys act as an early alarm system for the deer, sounding calls should any predators be spotted from their vantage point in the trees.

Predators of the axis deer include wolves, tigers, Asiatic lions, leopards, Indian rock pythons, dholes and mugger crocodiles. Red foxes and golden jackals also sometimes prey on fawns. Like all deer, the Axis deer is extremely athletic and can sprint at speeds of up to 40 mph to escape its predators.