Sambar Deer
About the Sambar Deer in Singapore
Last updated 31 May 2026
The Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor) is the largest terrestrial mammal found in Singapore. While they were once thought to be locally extinct, their numbers are now slowly increasing, and these massive residents can be found quietly roaming the Central Catchment area and its surrounding forested buffers.
Identifying features
Check out some identifying features of the Sambar Deer!
The Sambar Deer is easily recognized by its impressively large size, coarse, uniform dark brown coat, and distinctively broad, rounded ears. Adult males can also be identified by their large, rugged antlers, which typically feature three tines (points) on each side.
Habitat and ecology
Sambar Deer are most active at dusk, dawn, and throughout the night. They are grazers and browsers, often found near reservoirs or marshy areas where they feed on a wide variety of grasses, leaves, and water plants. They are also excellent swimmers.
Learn more about the Sambar Deer!
Curious about the Sambar Deer? Here are some interesting articles you can read to learn more about them.
