Amy Lewis Amy Lewis.jpg "Muntjac (credit Amy Lewis) - Amy Lewis")
About
The small Muntjac Deer was first introduced from China to Woburn in Bedfordshire at the start of the 20th century. It is now a common animal across south-east England and is spreading. The male has short, unbranched antlers and a pair of long canine teeth. Muntjac live in woodland, parkland and even venture into gardens. Muntjac are also known as 'barking deer' because of their dog-like calls, most often heard in the autumn.
How to identify
A very small, stocky deer, about the same size as a medium-sized dog. A uniform brown with a pale underside and small, single-pointed antlers.
Where to find it
Common and increasing in southern England, spreading northwards.
Habitats
When to find it
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Novermber
- December
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
How can people help
Although diminutive for a deer, the non-native Muntjac is a problem for our woodlands. Muntjac have a habit of eating young shoots and leaves from newly-coppiced or growing trees, stripping them bare until they die. With much of our ancient and semi-natural woodland gone or under threat, this behaviour is detrimental to woodland wildlife, from butterflies to bats. The Wildlife Trusts are working hard to restore our native woodlands; why not join us and have a go at volunteering? You'll make new friends, learn new skills and help wildlife along the way.