Sambar

Sambar Hind

Sambar is the common name for a large dark brown and maned Asian deer.  They are one of the largest deer weighing in at up to 162-260 kg (357-574 pounds). The Sambar has a dark brown coat and very noticable big round ears. Their antlers are quite similar to Rusa in structure with a trophy reachy 6 points. Sambars are firstly browsers and live in woodlands, however they do also feed on grass. Sambar also like to be close to water. They are diurnal and tend to live in groups of 5-6 members.

The rut for Sambar is generally around July/August. Like most male deer Sambar defend rutting territories and attempt to attract females by vocal and olfactory displays. The stags are solitary and extremely aggressive toward other males during the rut. Hinds live in groups. The two main populations of  Sambar deer in New Zealand are found in the Manawatu/Wanganui regions and the Bay of Plenty.

Dark Sambar Stag Hiding in the forest

Sambar Distribution