The Sambar also referred to as ‘Elk’ by 19^th century European hunters; although there is no true Elk found in Asia. The Sambar is largest the deer on the island. Its uniformed dark chocolate brown coat and large size easily identifies it. Sambars occupy dense rain-forests to vast open grasslands. Only the male develops antlers and battle other males for mating rites with females. They are mostly found in Horton Plains in herds of up 30 members. Their diet consists of shoots, leaves and grasses.