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Nature

Muntjac Deer

What is muntjac deer?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Common name Muntjac deer / Reeves’ muntjac[1]
Scientific name Muntiacus reevesi[1]
Family Cervidae[1]
Origin Non-native[1]
Shoulder height Up to 52 cm[1]
Habitat Broadleaved woodland, coniferous woodland[1]

Muntjac deer are small Asiatic deer in the genus *Muntiacus*, known for their barking cry. The term often refers to Reeves’ muntjac (*Muntiacus reevesi*), a non-native species in the UK.

Context

Muntjac deer are small deer in the genus *Muntiacus*, part of the family Cervidae, which also includes larger deer like the Chinese water deer and the tiny mouse deer. The term 'muntjac' can refer to the genus generally or to a specific species such as Reeves’ muntjac (*Muntiacus reevesi*), a non-native deer in the UK [1]. Muntjacs are known for their barking cry, which gives them the nickname 'barking deer' [3]. They are native to Asia, but some species have become established in parts of England and France [3]. Reeves’ muntjac, for example, was introduced to the UK from China in the 20th century [2]. These small deer can cause damage to woodlands through browsing [2].

Documented claims

  • Muntjacs are a genus of small deer in Asia. [3]
  • Muntjacs are called 'barking deer' because of their cry. [3]
  • Some muntjacs have become established in parts of England and France. [3]
  • Reeves’ muntjac was introduced into the UK from China in the 20th century. [2]

Related

Roe DeerRoe deer are another small deer species found in similar habitats.Mule DeerMule deer are a common deer species in North America, often compared with muntjacs.White Tailed DeerWhite-tailed deer are widespread and often discussed alongside other deer species.

Questions and answers

Why does muntjac deer face do that?

Muntjacs have facial glands that they use for scent marking, which can make their faces appear to 'do' things like rubbing or grimacing. This behaviour is part of their communication and territorial marking [3].

What to do if you see a muntjac?

If you see a muntjac, observe it from a distance and do not approach or feed it. Muntjacs are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened [2].

How rare are muntjac deer?

Muntjac deer are not rare globally; they are widespread in Asia. However, in some regions like the UK, they are non-native and have established populations, so they are not considered rare there either [3].

Are muntjacs in America?

Muntjacs are not native to America, but there have been reports of escaped or released individuals in some areas. They are not established as a wild species in the Americas [3].

Sources

  1. Reeves's Muntjac | Roswell, NM — roswell-nm.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. World's weirdest creatures: Meet the muntjac deer, nature's ... — sciencefocus.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Muntjac Facts - Fact Animal — factanimal.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature