Fun Facts!

The Reeve's Muntjac gets its name from John Russell Reeves, who introduced the deer into Britain in the 1830s. They are also known as Chinese Muntjac and as the Barking Deer.

REEVE'S MUNTJAC

Muntiacus reevesi

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

This species of deer is best characterized by their small size, distinctive hunched back and long elongated upper fangs. The muntjac grows to just 37 inches in length, and weighs between 22-40 pounds when fully grown. The mule deer found in the western half of North America typically stands 40 to 42 inches at the shoulders, are 80 inches in length and can weigh, on average, from 140 pounds for females to 225 pounds for males.

The Reeve's muntjac has elongated upper canines which are up to 2 inches long - they hang down below the upper lip and look like fangs or tusks. Its coat is a dark brown color, and is longer and scruffier in appearance during the winter and is shorter and sleeker in the summer. Its belly is usually creamy white, and its tail is long, and has a white underside. They have dark stripes on their faces which run from the eyes down the front of their face which form a 'v' shape. The male, or buck, has a more prominent 'v' than the female, or doe. The face of the doe is also flatter than that of the buck. Bucks have antlers - short and simple spikes up to 7 inches in length, which grow from long bony points at the top of its head. The female, also called a doe, does not have antlers, but does have short bony knobs where antlers would grow. The doe also has well-developed canines but are not as long as those of the bucks, and are not as noticeable. Bucks are slightly larger than does.

HABITAT

The Reeve's muntjac is a deer of dense woodland thickets, preferring areas with thick dense undergrowth and good cover. Its small size allows it to move quickly around the forest floor. It is found in the countries of China, India, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries. It is a relatively common species. The Reeve's Muntjac has been introduced into a number of European counties, including France and Britain.

DIET IN THE WILD

The Reeeve's Muntjac is primarily a grazer, it feeds mainly on foods found on the forest floor, such as leaves, fruits, berries, and grasses. Most feeding is done at dawn and dusk.

BEHAVIOR

The antlers are not the main weapons of the males; instead the well-developed upper canines are used during fights. Reeve's Muntjac are well known for the long, distinctive bark like calls. Barking is most common around the main breeding time, but can be made at any time of year. Reeve's Muntjac live in small well-defended territories. The male's territories overlap a number of female territories. Reeve's Muntjac tend to be fairly solitary, although females are often seen accompanied by their young or by the resident male. They are nocturnal - most active at dusk and dawn, and active throughout the night, during the day they usually rest.

STATUS IN THE WILD

Not listed as being in danger of extinction.

LIFE SPAN

The Reeve's Muntjac has a maximum lifespan in captivity of 16 years, although typically live no more than 10 years in the wild.