Antelope like Blackbuck and Gazelle like Chinkara are not ‘deer’; know the difference

Sub : Env

Sec: Species in news

Context:

There is frequent confusion between antelope and deer in Indian media. Despite their similar appearances, the two belong to distinct taxonomic families.

Taxonomy:

Both deer and antelope are part of the Kingdom Animalia and belong to the Artiodactyla order, meaning they are even-toed ungulates (hooved animals).
Deer belong to the Cervidae family, while antelope falls under the Bovidae family, which also includes cattle, sheep, and goats.
Other members of the Artiodactyla order include pigs, giraffes, camels, and alpacas.
Perissodactyla (odd-toed ungulates), on the other hand, includes horses, rhinoceroses, and tapirs, which bear weight on one or three toes.

Key Differences:

Antlers vs. Horns:
- Deer have antlers that are branched and shed annually, present only in males.
- Antelope have horns, which are permanent, unbranched, and do not shed.

Distribution and Diversity:

Antelope:
- Africa is the primary haven for antelopes, home to 91 species.
- Antelopes inhabit a wide range of environments, from forests to savannahs, deserts, and even semi-aquatic habitats.
- India has six species of antelope, including the Blackbuck and Chinkara.
Deer:
- There are 43 species of deer worldwide, ranging from the tiny Pudu in South America to the largest Moose in North America.
- India has 12 species of deer, including the Sambar and Indian Mouse Deer.

Source: DTE