Muntjac in a garden by Tim Folkes 1/10
Muntjac eating apples by Ian Barclay 2/10
Muntjac deer by Elizabeth Dack 3/10
Muntjac deer grazing by Elizabeth Dack 4/10
Muntjac deer by Tim Lake 5/10
Male and female muntjac beside lake by Elizabeth Dack 6/10
Buck muntjac by Elizabeth Dack 7/10
Muntjac by Elizabeth Dack 8/10
Muntjac by Ralph Neale 9/10
Muntjac by Elizabeth Dack 10/10

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

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. Muntjac are a conservation concern in the UK as they impact on woodland ground flora.

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Details

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.
 

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