The barking deer
Reeves muntjac is one of the 8 species of muntjac deer. It is considered to be the smallest and most primitive deer in the world.
He is distinguished by his round body, arched, upside down so as to have the rear higher. We observe a black shape on its forehead in the form of V. Only muntjacs males have antlers up to 15 cm long and more developed upper canines, allowing them to defend their territory and access the favors of females during the period. reproduction.
The muntjac has a white underside of the tail, which can be seen when erect when the muntjac is running. When the muntjac is frightened, he flees by making small leaps. When approaching a predator or during rutting season, the muntjac utters cries identical to the bark of a dog. It is also nicknamed the barking deer.
The muntjac is a small solitary cervid that marks its territory by rubbing its olfactory glands on plants. During the day it remains hidden in the thickets and is active especially at dusk and dawn.
Muntjac de Reeves standing in the grass at Le PAL animal park
Petit Muntjac de Reeves in the undergrowth at Le PAL zoo in Auvergne
Muntjac de Reeves eating grass at Le PAL zoo in Allier
Muntjacs de Reeves on the grass at Le PAL animal park
Reeves' muntjac is native to China and Taiwan. It was imported to Europe at the beginning of the 20th century for ornamental parks from which they escaped.
Today it has almost disappeared in Europe. A few can still be found in the UK. The muntjac lives mainly in humid subtropical and mountainous forests. It has, however, acclimated very well to the temperate forests of the United Kingdom.
Muntjac is a common and widespread species, but it is declining due to uncontrolled hunting and habitat destruction. Hunted for its skin, used to make leather, it is today one of the most hunted mammals without being considered endangered yet.
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