Muntjac Deer

A Small, stocky deer, russet brown in summer, grey brown in winter. Short antlers and visible canine teeth in bucks. Very large facial glands below the eyes. Ginger forehead with pronounced black lines running in bucks. Haunches higher than withers, giving a hunched appearance. Short antlers up to 10cm.

Muntjac were first introduced from China to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in the early 20th century. Deliberate releases and escapes from Woburn, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire lead to feral populations establishing. They have rapidly spread across England and Wales.

They are selective feeders that take favour nutritious plants. Diet includes herbs, brambles, ivy, heather, bilberry and any coppice shoots. For this reason they enjoy over-grown gardens! Muntjac are most active at dawn and dusk, after feeding long periods are spent "lying up", which is where the deer lies down to ruminate.

A common name for muntjac is "barking deer" resulting from the repeated, loud bark given under a number of circumstances. An alarmed muntjac may scream whereas maternal does and kids squeak.
In contrast to all other species of deer in Britain, muntjac do not have a breeding season (rut). Instead, they breed all year round and the does can conceive again within 2-3 days of giving birth.

Muntjac Deer

Vital Statistics

Deer in the UK