About
Not all deer live in herds. The Reeve’s muntjac is solitary and very territorial. Native to forests in Asia, these small deer have many adaptations for life in densely vegetated habitat. Since it can be difficult to see intruders in the woods, male muntjacs make loud barking calls to ward off possible predators as well as other muntjac. This barking call also alerts females to the presence of a male during mating season. Does and fawns communicate with quieter vocalizations. Prominent antlers would be a hindrance for these forest deer, so in addition to their short, spikey antlers, they use long, sharp canine teeth to defend themselves. Males also use them to spar with one another for mating privileges.
Habitat
These animals are native to the forests of Taiwan and southeastern China.
Diet
Reeves’s muntjac forage for fruit and vegetation found on the forest floor.
Physical Characteristics
These small deer measure about 16 inches tall and about 36 inches long. Adults weigh between 10 and 18 pounds. Males possess antlers measuring about three inches in length as well as sharp canine teeth that are used for defense and sparring. Females do not grow antlers but do have sharp canines, though not as large as those of the males.