Key Takeaways
| Common Names | Indian Muntjac or Barking Deer |
| Distribution | Southeast Asia |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Length | 89 cm (35 in) to 135 cm (53 in) |
| Weight | 13 kg (29 lb) or as heavy as 35 kg (77 lb) |
Introduction
The Indian Muntjac, also known as the Southern Red Muntjac or Barking Deer, is a fascinating creature native to Southeast Asia. This deer species is among the smallest.
Physical Characteristics
The Indian Muntjac has hair that feels soft, short and is either brown or grey. Sometimes, you might even see creamy patterns on it. The male Muntjacs have a unique feature, they have short antlers which branch only once and long canine teeth that act as tusks.
Size and Weight
They come in different sizes. Their bodies can be 89 cm (35 in) to 135 cm (53 in) in length. They have tails between 13 and 23 cm (5.1 to 9.1 in) long. If you look at them from the side, their height is between 40 and 65 cm (16 to 26 in). When it comes to their weight, adult Muntjacs can be as light as 13 kg (29 lb) or as heavy as 35 kg (77 lb).
Unique Features
Muntjacs have a special feature that makes them different from other deer. They have big scent glands on their faces, preorbital, in front of the eyes. They use these glands to leave their scent on things to show that a place is their territory or to get the attention of female Muntjacs. The male Muntjacs have even bigger scent glands than the females.
Habitat and Distribution
The Indian Muntjac are not well known in Southeast Asia. It can be found in places like the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Borneo. It might live in parts of Thailand and Myanmar. But sadly, it’s no longer found in Singapore. The Indian Muntjac is a land animal that inhabits the forest and is resilient to changes in its habitat.
Diet
The Indian Muntjac is omnivorous, feeding on:
- Grass
- Fruits
- Shoots
- Seeds
- Birds’ eggs
- Small animals
Behavior
The Indian Muntjac is a very alert creature. If something scares it, it makes a noise that sounds like a bark. This is why people often call it the “Barking Deer”. Even after the danger is gone, the Muntjac might keep barking for a while, sometimes even for more than an hour.
Reproduction
Female Muntjacs reaches sexual maturity in their first year. They are polyestrous with the estrous cycle lasting 14-21 days and the estrus lasting about 2 days. They can have babies any time of the year, not just in a certain season. Usually, they have one fawn at a time. It takes about 180 days, or half a year, for the fawn to be ready to be born and weighs between 550 and 650 grams (1.21-1.43 lb)
Conservation Status
The Indian Muntjac is listed as a “Least Concern” species by the IUCN.
Conclusion
The Indian Muntjac is a fascinating creature with unique characteristics. Despite being one of the smallest deer species, it has a significant presence in its native habitat. Its adaptability and resilience make it a remarkable member of the deer family.
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