Where is Sambar Deer Found in Indian States?

The Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), one of the largest deer species in the world, is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. In India, this majestic animal is widespread and found in a variety of habitats—from dense forests to hilly terrains. It is classified as a Vulnerable species by the IUCN, and its conservation is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance in Indian forests.

Sambar Deer Habitat in India

Sambar deer are primarily found in tropical dry forests, moist deciduous forests, and hill forests. They thrive in dense vegetation and near water bodies like rivers, lakes, and marshes.

Indian States Where Sambar Deer Are Found

Here’s a comprehensive table listing Indian states and the key national parks or wildlife sanctuaries where Sambar deer are commonly found:

State	Key Locations Where Sambar Deer Are Found
Madhya Pradesh	Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura
Maharashtra	Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Melghat, Navegaon
Rajasthan	Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve
Karnataka	Nagarhole, Bandipur, Bhadra, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Kerala	Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park
Tamil Nadu	Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Andhra Pradesh	Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Papikonda National Park
Telangana	Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Amrabad Tiger Reserve
Odisha	Simlipal National Park, Satkosia Tiger Reserve
Chhattisgarh	Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Jharkhand	Betla National Park, Palamau Tiger Reserve
West Bengal	Buxa Tiger Reserve, Gorumara National Park
Assam	Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park
Uttarakhand	Jim Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park
Himachal Pradesh	Great Himalayan National Park, Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary
Arunachal Pradesh	Namdapha National Park
Meghalaya	Balpakram National Park
Nagaland	Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary
Sikkim	Khangchendzonga National Park
Goa	Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem National Park

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

Protection in India: Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, and competition with livestock

Importance in the Ecosystem

Sambar deer are a primary prey species for top predators like tigers and leopards. Protecting them directly supports predator conservation efforts and ecosystem stability.

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