Reeves Muntjac | Zoo Aquarium Madrid

Meet the Reeves Muntjac!

This small deer is endemic to China. It is also called “the barking deer” because of the characteristic sound it emits when it feels threatened.

Its large upper tusks stand out, measuring up to 6 centimeters in the case of males. Their visible preorbital glands are used for chemical communication. Only males have antlers, which they renew every summer.

It is surprisingly omnivorous due, in addition to bamboo, fruits and foliage, it eats eggs, carrion and even small mammals.

What are its habits?

The species is basically solitary, although it is sometimes found in pairs or small family groups.

With crepuscular habits, they are territorial and solitary animals. Males compete with each other through fights in which they use their tusks and antlers.

Females reach sexual maturity at around 7 months of age. After a gestation period of approximately 210 days, a calf is born. The young grow rapidly and after 6 months leave the mother's territory.

Conservation

Extinct

Extinct in the wild

Critically endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Near threatened

Least concern

Insufficient data

Not evaluated

DID YOU KNOW ...

Has it been introduced into England for hunting purposes? Despite their abundance in the UK, in their country of origin they are threatened by increased hunting pressure and loss of habitat.