Its validity is disputed, and some maintain that the axis deer is monotypic (i.e., has no subspecies).

[1] Sri Lankan axis deer are active primarily during early morning and again during the evening, but they are commonly observed near waterholes anytime.

Axis deer are important prey for the Sri Lankan leopard.

These deer inhabit lowland dry forests, savannas, and shrub lands.

[citation needed] Threats include hunting for meat and deforestation.