Axis Deer hunting in South Africa

Axis Deer, also known as Chital or Cheetal or Spotted Deer is not an indigenous species to South Africa. In fact, this exotic species, originally from India has been declared an invasive species. These impressive-looking deer has a rusty red to dark brown coat with permanent white spots on their body. The stags have long upright three-tined antlers. Axis Deer distribution is limited to a few permitted high-fenced game ranches in the Eastern Cape and Free State provinces. Escaped animals found outside these areas are likely to be destroyed on the spot. Axis Deer are known to damage crops, pastures and plantations, competing with domestic livestock and indigenous wildlife species for habitat. Owing to their size, they are capable of damaging indigenous vegetation and out-competing indigenous species, hence their invasive species classification. Axis Deer (Chital) is listed by the IUCN as a species of least concern.