Reeves Muntjac Hunting

Reeves Muntjac

(Muntiacus reevesi)

Current SCI all time record: Score 20 5/8

Description: The short, soft coat is a reddish brown in colour, with the undersides, including the lower legs and the ventral surface of the neck and chin, fading to creamy white. The forehead and nose are black, while the surrounding face is generally a pale tan. Males have small tusk-like canines, which can grow up to 2.5 cm / 1 inch long and small antlers, averaging 7-8 cm / 2.75-3.2 inches in length. These are mounted on skin-covered pedestals which slope back from the face. Females also have remnant pedicels which are seen as small bony knobs on the forehead. The body is rounded, and the legs are slender, the overall form resembling that of the South American agouti.

Other Common Names: Barking Deer, Chinese Muntjac

Size:

Range: (indigenous to eastern China and Taiwan, imported to Woburn Abbey about 1900 and to France): England; August - May.

Natural History: Captive observations indicate that the Reeve's muntjac is primarily crepuscular, active at dawn and dusk, although both diurnal and nocturnal activity have been reported. When alarmed or in the presence of potential danger, muntjacs make a sharp barking sound, which is surprisingly loud and gives them their alternate name "barking deer". There are a number of possible explanations for this behaviour, although the true reason is not known. This noise may serve as a warning to the predator that it has been spotted, and hence that its chances of a successful hunt have been reduced. The vocalizations may also serve as communication between individuals. In either case, there is a correlation between intensive barking an reduced visibility. Both sexes defend small, solitary territories, chasing away most conspicuous who are viewed as resource competitors. These territories are marked with preorbital gland secretions. Although the antlers of males may be used in battle, the sharp canines are the more dangerous weapon.

Hunting Characteristics: