Chital (Axis axis Erxleben, 1777) herd composition and sex ratio on the Nallamala Hills of Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

A total of 32 chital herds comprising 383 individuals with a maximum herd size of 12 were sighted in the Nallamala Hills. Sex ratio varied seasonally. More bucks associated with groups during winter. Chital on the Nallamala hills tends to be in smaller herds of two to five individuals (68% of the total groups sighted), that were more common during summer and winter seasons. The apparent seasonal variation in the herd composition and sex ratio was due to behavioural modifications.