Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
Fig 4
 |
Order : CETARTIODACTYLA
Family : Cervidae
Species : Muntiacus muntjak
Head-Body Length : Males up to 1.1 metres
Tail Length : Males up to 20 cm
Weight : Males up to 28 kg
Females are somewhat smaller.
The Red, or Indian
Muntjac, is the most widespread species of 'barking deer'. It inhabits a
wide variety of forest types including primary and secondary rainforest, dry
forest, hill forest and montane habitats (reportedly up to 3000 metres
elevation), sometimes venturing into adjacent grassland to graze.
Its typical
diet includes young leaves, shoots, tree bark, grass and fallen fruits. Small
ground-dwelling vertebrates may also be consumed.
The species is generally nocturnal, however in protected areas, where they
are not persecuted, these deer may be active by day and can become relatively tame.
Muntjacs are small in stature, but the Red Muntjac is one of the larger
species, weighing up to 28 kg, and with a shoulder height of up to 55 cm.
Its fur colour varies from pale orange to reddish brown, paler underneath,
and with a pale throat. Juveniles sometimes have white spots. The tail
measures up to 19 cm, the underside of which is white.
The species has complex and attractive facial markings with dark eyebrows
and long dark eyelashes. There is a pre-orbital gland below each eye :
secretions from this gland are used for chemical communication, and males
use the secretions to mark their territory.
Males have small antlers of up to 13 cm, arising
from bony pedicels of up to 15 cm. Despite the small antlers, males will
fiercely protect their harem and their territory from other males.
They also possess enlarged upper canine teeth which can inflict damage on a
rival.
Muntjacs form a key part of the prey base for large predators in many parts
of Southeast Asia. They may be preyed upon by large cats such as Tigers and
Leopards, large pythons, wild dogs and crocodiles.
The rutting season is between December and January (Lekagul & McNeely, 1977)
when males spar for females and mating pairs are formed.
The Red Muntjac occurs naturally in India, Sri Lanka, China and Taiwan and
other locales. In Southeast Asia it ranges from Myanmar, Thailand and
Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia) through Peninsular Malaysia to Borneo
and the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java.
On the island of Borneo the Red Muntjac may live alongside the smaller
Yellow Muntjac.
Fig 1 : Female grazing by day
in a grassland area of Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. Note the
large, pre-orbital gland below each eye.
Fig 2 : Female browsing on low vegetation at the edge of lowland forest.
Figs 3 and 4 : Male with antlers examining a shallow pool in lowland
freshwater swamp forest.
Fig 5 : Juvenile with a row of pale spots along its back. Seen at Kaeng
Krachan, Phetchaburi, Thailand.
Fig 6 : A strikingly patterned male in prime condition during the
rutting season (December-January) at Kaeng Krachan, Phetchaburi,
Thailand.
Figs 5 and 6 thanks to Charles Currin.
References : M5
|
