Sambar Deer is one of the dominant deer species in the Periyar Tiger Reserve and an important food source for the three sympatric large carnivores – Tigris, Leopard and Dhole (wild dogs).
Sambar deer
Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor)
SAMBAR DEER (Cervus unicolor) are found inhabiting mainly damp woodland environments, like marshes and swamps. In Periyar we have thousands of sambar deer, which is the favourite prey for Wild Dogs, Leopards and Tigers. Whenever they perceive danger, they start giving a repetitive honking alarm call.

