Monty the Muntjac
27 April 2006

Intrigued by Monty, Brookfield's current house guest? Here's the lowdown on the Muntjac deer:


The full name is the Reeves Muntjac. Also known as the "barking deer" because of its call, it's a prehistoric species which has survived between 15 and 35 million years.

They are by far the smallest of the deer found in Britain, no more than about 45 cm at the shoulder, and because their hindquarters are much higher than their shoulders they have an odd hunched appearance. They are often mistaken for dogs, foxes (especially when running) or even hares.

Muntjac are indigenous to South-East Asia. The species found in Britain derives its name from John Reeves, appointed assistant inspector of tea for the East India Company in 1812. The Duke of Bedford first introduced the animals to Woburn Park in the 19^th century. The current population of wild Muntjac stemmed from releases and escapes since then, some from Woburn but significantly from Whipsnade Zoo in 1921. Over some 80 years, this resilient and highly adaptable animal has colonised a wide range of habitats, from its preferred cleared woodland with lots of ground cover, to the open grass and scrub of Salisbury Plain. Less shy than most deer species, they have been seen feeding in town centres. Muntjac have now spread to the Welsh and Scottish borders, although the largest populations are in the south of England.

Bert's strong reaction when he returned from India to find Monty in residence was very understandable. They are undiscerning feeders and can threaten tree saplings and wildflower species, including primroses, bluebells and honeysuckle. In fact, the White Admiral butterfly is threatened in some areas because Muntjacs are eating the caterpillar's food source, low-growing honeysuckle.

One of the reasons for their success is a prodigious breeding capacity. There is no annual "rut" as with other deer species (the noise of which is well known for keeping the Aldridges awake). Instead, they breed all year round and the does (females) often conceive again within days of giving birth, producing three kids every two years over a lifespan that might be 16-19 years long.

The longer David and Ruth keep Monty at Brookfield, the more trouble they are going to have because, at about four or five months old, sharp fang-like canine teeth erupt - and the bucks (males) grow antlers that can be 10-15 cm long!

More information:

BBC Science and Nature
Deer UK
British Deer Society

Pic: British Deer Society

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