Sambar Deer – Rusa unicolor. The Sambar Deer is often confused with the Elk due to the bulky body and long, thin legs.

The Sambar deer is listed as a a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red list because of the sustained decline in their population across its range;; it may even become endangered in the near future

The main threats to the species include habitat loss due to deforestation and poaching for their beautiful antlers and meat. 

Like other species, different parts of the Sambar body are also used in traditional Asian medicine, which further decreases their numbers in the wild.