Deer Various species of deer are the mainstay of the tiger's diet. Sambar, which are related to European red deer and American elk, are common prey in India. Chital, or spotted deer, also live in India. In Siberia and northern China, tigers prey on maral, or Siberian wapiti. Yet another species of deer which tigers prey upon is swamp deer. Tigers usually attack the largest available prey. Samber grow as large as 660 pounds (300 kg)-larger than many tigers, and enough food for several days. Back to Tiger Behavior