Meet the animals
Muntjac deer
Britain's smallest deer might be spreading all over the country, but can they really be seen and heard in some of our biggest cities, next to motorways and in parks during the autumn? Simon King's going to find out.
View a slideshow of your amazing muntjac pictures in the Flickr group.
Watch all the best muntjac action from the shows.
Species information
It's difficult not to fall for this charming little red-brown deer. Spotting one can be difficult as they are secretive and wary, and unlike our other deer which herd the muntjac is a solitary animal. Persevere though and you'll be rewarded with one of the most charming looking wild animals in the UK. The antlers are small and straight (up to 10cm long) and form a v-shaped ridge on its face. Its protruding canine teeth look a little like tusks. Also, note the rounded and arched back.
The muntjac might only be about the size of an average dog but its hardiness has seen it adapt superbly to life in this country. Originally introduced to Woburn Park and Whipsnade Zoo from south-east Asia, over time some were released or escaped into our countryside. Since then, as it can breed all year round (our other deer mate only during a seasonal rut), it has spread all over the country.
Listen out for its repeated loud and sharp barking or yapping, which is used as an alarm call, to announce its presence and challenge other males. This has led to some people calling it the barking deer.
Habitat-wise, it likes to live in thickets and bushes in woodlands and places with plenty of cover and dense vegetation, including over-grown gardens.
How to help
Muntjacs cause less economic damage than our other deer, but can cause problems where the numbers are high. Being hit by cars is a problem, so drive carefully!
More about this species
- The British Deer Society species overview
- Wild About Britain recognise muntjac footprints, droppings and more
- ARKive species guide, images and video
- The Guardian how to spot a muntjac
- BBC Wales Nature the barking deer
Where to see them
- Throughout central and southern England and parts of Wales in:
- Woodlands
- Parks
- Wasteland
- Areas of dense vegetation
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A introduction to muntjac deer
Simon King introduces the muntjac deer with a little history lesson on how this Chinese deer first came to be in our country.
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A tour of the muntjac deer
Filmed at Sheldon park near Birmingham airport, Simon King explains a bit of muntjac biology, why they are sometimes called the barking deer and how they managed to find their way into our biggest cities.
Your sightings
Help us to find out how widespread the little muntjac deer is within the UK, by posting your sightings on our blog.
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