Muntjac deer don't have a fixed breeding season, unlike many other deer. Instead, they reproduce continually throughout the year. This small and exotic looking deer can be surprisingly hard to spot, although a loud barking call could indicate one is nearby. Woodlands are their preferred habitat, but they are increasingly found in gardens and even walking down streets. Native to south-east China and Taiwan, muntac deer were introduced to parks in the UK in the early 20th century and escapees have since established wild populations.
Scientific name: Muntiacus reevesi
Rank: Species
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The buck stops here
Thetford forest teems with exotic wildlife that's not always easy to spot.
Thetford forest teems with exotic wildlife that's not always easy to spot.
Wicken walk
An evening stroll through Wicken Fen reveals marsh harriers and muntjac deer.
An evening stroll through Wicken Fen reveals marsh harriers and muntjac deer.
Species range provided by WWF's Wildfinder.
The Muntjac deer can be found in a number of locations including: Asia, China, Russia, United Kingdom, Wales. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.
The following habitats are found across the Muntjac deer distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.
Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.
Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web
Least Concern
Population trend: Decreasing
Year assessed: 2008
Classified by: IUCN 3.1
Reeves' Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi; Chinese: 山羌) is a muntjac species found widely in southeastern China (Gansu to Yunnan) and in Taiwan. They have also been introduced in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom (south England, the Midlands, and east Wales) and Ireland by 2008. It feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, grasses and nuts, and was also reported to eat trees. It takes its name from John Reeves, who was appointed Assistant Inspector of Tea for the British East India Company in 1812.
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