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    Tetracerus – Four-horned antelope

    Known for its birdlike alarm whistle, a sharp, high-pitched sound used to warn of danger

    Found only in India and Nepal, it is the sole living member of its genus, Tetracerus, and is instantly recognizable for a rare trait among mammals—it has four distinct horns. This unusual feature makes the chousingha a biological curiosity and a symbol of evolutionary wonder. Its name literally means “four-horned,” from the Greek tetra (four) and keras (horn).

    Physically, the four-horned antelope is a small, graceful creature. Its body is sleek and compact, covered in short, reddish-brown to yellowish-brown fur, with lighter underparts. What truly sets it apart is its two pairs of horns—a larger set just above the eyes and a smaller pair behind them on the forehead. These rear horns are usually shorter, sometimes barely visible, and are more prominent in males. Females, interestingly, are hornless. Its large, dark eyes, pointed ears, and delicate muzzle give it an alert and elegant appearance. Its tail is short, and it flicks it nervously when alarmed, much like a deer.

    Habitat-wise, the four-horned antelope prefers dry deciduous forests, open woodlands, and grassy hills of peninsular India. It avoids dense forests and arid deserts, favoring areas with scattered shrubs and grasses near water sources. This environment provides both food and cover from predators such as leopards, jackals, and dholes. The animal is shy, solitary, and crepuscular, meaning it is most active during early mornings and late afternoons. It usually lives alone or in pairs, rarely forming larger groups. Its movements are quiet and cautious—it freezes at the slightest sound and darts into thick vegetation when threatened.

    The four-horned antelope is herbivorous, feeding mainly on grasses, leaves, fruits, and shoots. It has been observed browsing more than grazing, often feeding on tender leaves and pods of acacia trees. Its ability to feed on a variety of plant matter allows it to adapt to seasonal changes in vegetation. Like other antelopes, it relies heavily on keen senses of smell and hearing to detect predators.