Mammals Most active at dawn and dusk

Four-horned Antelope

Tetracerus quadricornis

iNaturalist Wikipedia

The Four-horned Antelope is a true evolutionary oddity, being the only mammal in the world with four horns. Secretive and masterfully camouflaged, this 'Chousingha' is a rare prize for any nature observer in the Indian wilderness.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Shoulder height 55–64 cm (22–25 in); Weight 17–22 kg (37–49 lb)

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Colors

Yellowish-tan to reddish-brown coat; white underparts and inner legs; males feature dark horns and a distinct dark stripe down the front of each leg.

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Key Features

Four distinct horns on males (two between ears, two on forehead)
Small, slender build with thin legs
Short, dark-tipped tail
White patches on the muzzle and backs of ears

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Most active at dawn and dusk

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Peak hours 6-9 AM, 4-7 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Herbivorous browser and grazer; eats grasses, tender shoots, herbs, and fallen fruits like amla and ber.

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Habitat Open deciduous forests, hilly scrubland, and tall grasslands near permanent water sources.

Behavior

The Four-horned Antelope, also known as the Chousingha, is a notoriously shy and solitary creature. Unlike many other antelope species that roam in large herds, these small bovids are typically found alone or in pairs. They are extremely wary of predators and humans alike, often freezing in place or darting into thick cover at the slightest sign of danger. Their movement is characterized by a distinctive, jerky gait that helps them navigate the uneven, hilly terrain they call home.

Feeding primarily during the early morning and late afternoon, they are most active during the cooler parts of the day. They have a strong dependency on water and are rarely found more than a few kilometers from a permanent water source. In areas where they overlap with human settlements, they tend to remain deep within forest boundaries, though they may occasionally venture to the edges of agricultural fields that border protected forests if cover is available.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Four-horned Antelope on camera requires a strategy focused on stealth and location. Because these animals are small—standing only about two feet at the shoulder—your camera should be mounted quite low to the ground. Aim for a height of 30 to 45 cm (12-18 inches) and tilt the camera slightly upward to capture the full profile and the unique horn structure of the males. A high-speed trigger is essential, as they are quick and easily startled.

Placement is everything for this species. Look for established game trails leading to water sources or salt licks, which are major draws for the Chousingha. They have a habit of using the same latrine sites repeatedly; if you find a patch of concentrated droppings in a forest clearing, that is a prime location for your camera. Avoid placing cameras in wide-open areas where they feel exposed; instead, target the edges of dense scrub where they feel safe enough to linger.

During the summer months, when water is scarce, positioning your camera near a forest 'saucer' or a small pool will yield the best results. Since they are primarily diurnal and crepuscular, ensure your camera has a good dynamic range to handle the dappled sunlight of the forest floor. Avoid using white-flash cameras as the sudden light will likely scare them off the trail for days; a high-quality no-glow infrared flash is the best choice for recording their natural behavior without disturbance.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Four-horned Antelope.

Indian Muntjac (Barking Deer)

Has an arched back, two horns on long pedicles, and prominent scent glands below the eyes.

Chinkara (Indian Gazelle)

Larger with much longer, ringed horns (only two) and a more graceful, sandy-colored body built for open plains.

Hog Deer

Stouter build with a lower-slung head and lacks the unique four-horn configuration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Four-horned Antelope are primarily diurnal and crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the daylight hours, with peak activity occurring at dawn and dusk when they emerge to feed and drink.

These antelopes are very shy and rarely enter suburban backyards unless the property borders a protected forest in India or Nepal. Providing a quiet, permanent water source and maintaining dense, natural scrub cover can make a border property more attractive to them.

They are selective feeders that eat a mix of grasses, herbs, and woody plants. They are particularly fond of fallen fruits and the tender new growth of forest shrubs.

No, they are quite rare in suburban settings. They are sensitive to human disturbance and domestic dogs, preferring the seclusion of deciduous forests and hilly scrublands.

While similar in size, the Four-horned Antelope has a flatter back compared to the arched back of the Barking Deer (Muntjac). Additionally, males have four horns rather than two, and they lack the visible canine 'tusks' often seen in Muntjacs.

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