Its Hindi name, barasingha, translates to “twelve-horned”, referring to the impressive antlers of adult males, which often have twelve or more tines that branch elegantly like the limbs of a tree. With a warm golden-brown coat, large dark eyes, and a proud stance, the barasingha stands out among the deer of South Asia. It once roamed widely across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, but today it survives mainly in protected reserves and national parks, where it has become a focus of conservation success.

While many deer prefer forests or dry plains, the barasingha thrives in marshes, tall wet grasslands, and riverine meadows. Its long, splayed hooves are perfectly designed to keep it steady in soft, muddy ground. The species feeds mainly on grasses and aquatic plants, grazing peacefully in herds that can range from a few individuals to over a hundred in prime habitats. Its presence indicates the health of India’s wetland ecosystems, as it depends on a delicate balance of water, vegetation, and open grassland.

Social and gentle, the barasingha forms large herds, especially during the dry season when water and food become concentrated. Males grow their magnificent antlers annually, shedding and regrowing them before the breeding season. During this time, stags become more vocal and territorial, competing in antler-clashing displays for dominance and the right to mate. Fawns are born during the monsoon months, when food is abundant, and mothers are known for their strong protective instincts, often hiding their young in tall grass to keep them safe from predators like tigers and leopards.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Bangladesh

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Bhutan

2015

Presence Uncertain

India

2015

Nepal

2015

Pakistan

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally