Muntjac Muntiacus reevesi
This tiny non-native deer is the smallest in Britain and has copper-brown fur, with darker markings on the legs and face – which vary depending on gender. Their numbers have increased rapidly and they can be spotted in shrubby areas all year round.
Conservation status in Norfolk
Muntjacs are not a native species to Britain. They originate from China but were introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1838. After escapes and deliberate movement of the deer by humans they have now spread over southern England and are increasing in number. They are not of any conservation concern.
How to help
Report any sightings to the Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership.
Nick cantel
Information on the Muntjac
How to recognise
Muntjacs are the smallest deer in Britain and are about 45cm at the shoulder. They have a hunched posture as their haunches are higher than their front. Their fur is generally brown although they have darker markings on their legs and face. The characteristic markings on the face vary between the male and female. In the buck a V shaped marking stretches up the pedicles in the male, whereas the females have a dark diamond shape. The pedicles are characteristic of the males in this species and are extensions of the skull. Males will also have antlers extending from the pedicles during the autumn although these are straight and short at around 10cm. Bucks also have large canine teeth which protrude from the top lip and are used in fighting. Both sexes have black scent glands under both eyes and a large characteristic tail which are held upright when startled to reveal a white underside. You may hear a Muntjac before seeing it as they have a loud ‘barking’ call.
Where to see
Their habitat is deciduous and coniferous woodland with shrubby areas where they can eat berries acorns and grasses. They can be seen throughout Norfolk and can sometimes be found visiting gardens with good cover.
When to see
All year round. Unlike other deer species in Britain the Muntjac does not have a set rutting season and they will breed all year round. They are active throughout 24 hours but dawn and dusk are the best times to see them especially in a disturbed area.
Did you know?
Muntjacs are also known as the ‘barking deer’ because of its loud barking call.
The Muntjac gets its Latin name from John Russell Reeves who first introduced the species.
Muntjac are the oldest known deer, appearing 15-35 million years ago, with remains found in Miocene deposits in France and Germany.
Related questions
What is an alien wildlife species?
This term refers to species which are not native to an area or country and have been deliberately or accidentally introduced by people. Some alien wildlife species cause problems by competing with native species or carrying diseases which affect native species. Examples of invasive alien plants species include giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed. Alien animals in Norfolk include grey squirrels and mink which are native to North America and Chinese Water Deer and muntjac deer from Asia. Not all alien introductions are invasive or cause problems and birds such as little owls, pheasants, and red-legged partridge are non-native introductions but so much part of the Norfolk (and English) countryside that few would call them aliens.
How can I recognize Muntjac deer?
Muntjac are not native to Britain. They originate from China but were introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1838. After escapes and deliberate movement of the deer by humans they have now spread over southern England and are increasing in number. Muntjac are the smallest deer in Britain and are about 45cm at the shoulder. They have a hunched posture due to their haunches being higher than their withers. Their fur is generally brown although they have darker markings on their face which in the male is V shaped and stretches up the pedicles, whereas the females have a dark U or diamond shape. The pedicles are characteristic of the males in this species and are extensions of the skull. These pedicles have short, straight antlers (about 10cm long) extending from them during the autumn. Bucks also have large canine teeth which protrude from the top lip and are used in fighting. Both sexes have black scent glands under both eyes and a large characteristic tail which is held upright when the animal is startled revealing a white underside. You may hear a Muntjac before seeing it as they have a loud and quite distinctive ‘barking’ call.
Where and when can I see Muntjac?
Muntjac inhabit both deciduous and coniferous woodland with shrubby areas where they can feed on berries, acorns and grasses. They can be seen throughout Norfolk and can sometimes be found visiting gardens with good cover.
Muntjac can be seen at any time of the year. Unlike other deer species in Britain the Muntjac does not have a set rutting season and they will breed all through the year. They are active throughout 24 hours, but dawn and dusk are the best times to see them especially in an area subject to human disturbance.