WILDLIFE
The munTjac ThreaT
Known as ‘barking deer’, muntjac deer are the smallest deer in the UK – they look cute but can do a lot of damage to woodland and gardens They look like Bambi, especially the young fawns, small and cute. But muntjac deer are now widespread and increasing in number and range – and can damage the woodland areas and gardens they wander in. At least seven species of muntjac are known, from Pakistan to Java and north to mainland China. The Reeves’ muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) is named after John Reeves, who was an inspector with The East India Tea Company in 1812. Reeves muntjac were first introduced in Britain to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire and other estates more than 100 years ago. Escapes from these private collections led to feral populations of this species of deer around the country. Look out for short antlers and a hunched shape - this is because their haunches are higher than the top of their shoulders. Releases and escapes from Woburn and other places has led to the establishment of feral populations that have spread across south and central England and Wales (less so in northern areas at present). These small deer (only 20 in tall) like deciduous or coniferous forests, preferably with a good choice of plants to graze beneath the trees. They are also found in scrub and overgrown urban gardens and they can breed all year, so their numbers have increased rapidly. These high numbers of muntjac pose a serious threat to woodland management. They will eat almost any plant material that grows within their reach which has a knock-on effect on the natural habitat of many species of plants, insects and small birds. Agricultural and forestry damage is less than with much larger species of antlered deer, but a lot of damage is still done. Reeves’ muntjac are russet brown in colour in summer and grey/brown in winter. Bucks have short (10 cm) antlers growing from long pedicles. 32
to wildlife Antlers are usually unbranched but a very short brow tine is occasionally found in old bucks. They also have visible upper canines (tusks) suggesting that they are a primitive species. In contrast to all other species of deer in Britain, they don’t have a specific breeding period and the does can conceive again within days of giving birth. Capable of breeding at seven months old, after a gestation period of seven months they give birth to a single kid. Bucks can live up to 16 years and does up to 19 years, but they don’t often reach that age. Generally solitary or found in pairs (doe with kid or buck with doe), they don’t bond and stay together. Bucks will defend their territory against other bucks; does' territories overlap with each other and with several bucks. They are known as ‘barking deer’ from the repeated loud bark given. An alarmed muntjac may scream; maternal does and kids squeak. They are active throughout the 24-hour period but make more use of open spaces during the hours of darkness, especially at dawn and at dusk. Long periods are spent ‘lying up’, where the deer lies down to ruminate after feeding. Some people like to feed the muntjac deer that come into their gardens, but as they can cause plant damage this is not advised. Like any wild animal they are vulnerable on the roads and there have been many collisions with vehicles. Charities such as The Deer Initiative Partnership aims to improve the sustainable management of all wild deer in England and Wales. www.thedeerinitiative.co.uk