A spotted Indian deer (Axis axis) with a reddish coat and white spots, also known as the axis deer.
From Hindi chitāl (चितल), derived from Sanskrit citra meaning 'spotted' or 'variegated.' The word describes the animal's distinctive spotted coat pattern.
The chital's spots are permanent throughout its life, unlike most deer species that lose their spots—making it one of nature's most beautifully constant animals, which is exactly why ancient Sanskrit named it 'spotted.'
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