Reeves' Muntjac

Surprisingly, this species of deer is omnivorous. It eats bamboo, seeds, bark, fruit and foliage -- while also eating eggs, carrion (deceased animals), small mammals, and ground-nesting birds. Like other deer, their stomach has four chambers through which digestion occurs and they are considered ruminants, meaning they regurgitate and chew cud.

At the Zoo, muntjacs eat formulated herbivore pellets, alfalfa, and assorted fruits and vegetables.

Their current native range runs through southeastern China and Taiwan. Historically, the range extended more southernly in China. They are now also established in England after being introduced to the area around 1900.

Reeves' muntjac live in subtropical rainforests where they create pathways that allow them to move throughout their territory under cover and protected.

Leopards, tigers, jackals, dholes, crocodiles, and pythons have been known to hunt muntjac.

The major threats to this species are habitat destruction and hunting. Muntjacs, like most deer species, are hunted for meat and hides. Because it is considered widespread in its native range, there have not been many studies of Reeves’ muntjacs by conservation organizations.

A muntjac’s body is covered with short, soft hair ranging in color from deep brown to grayish brown with lighter markings. Bony ridges extend from the face to the top of the head, with males having antlers extend from that point that are shed seasonally. Females have small, bony knobs called pedicels that are covered with tufts of hair, rather than antlers. They have large scent glands located below each eye. Males and females have canine teeth in their upper jaw, with a male’s extending almost an inch. These miniature tusks are used for fighting or defending against predators.

In their native range, Reeves’ muntjac breed year-round. Despite having antlers, males generally utilize their tusks to defend territory and fight for access to breed females. Males do not play a role in raising young. After close to seven months after breeding, a single fawn weighing close to 22 ounces – about the weight of a basketball -- is born. They are born with spots to aid in camouflage in the dense jungle growth, which slowly disappear as they reach adult size.

Young develop rapidly and are weaned within about four months. By 6 months, they are independent and will leave their mother’s territory.

Also known as the “barking” deer, Reeves’ muntjac may use this sharp vocalization when they are anxious or alarmed. Communication between individuals occurs most often with non-bark vocalizations, like buzzing sounds and cat-like whines, and scent marking.

This species is generally solitary and crepuscular, meaning that most activity occurs in the two hours before sunrise and after sunset.