See text Axis is a genus of deer occurring in South and Southeast Asia.

As presently defined by most authorities, four species are placed in the genus.

Three of the four species are called hog deer.

The genus name is a word mentioned in Pliny the Elder's Natural History.

[2][3] These four species are divided into two subgenera; Axis containing the chital, and Hyelaphus containing the 3 others.