Reeves' muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) is a small, stocky deer with a rounded body, slender black-brown legs and a primarily red-brown pelage. The creamy-white fur on the lower surface of this deer extends onto the neck and chin, as well as onto the underside of its short, reddish tail. The face is generally a pale tan colour and the forehead and nose are black. A distinct black stripe extends along the back from the nape of the neck.
The male Reeves' muntjac can be differentiated from the female by the presence of short, simple antlers and small, tusk-like canines. The female has small bony lumps on the forehead, and a localized black pattern, which is also present on the forehead of the fawn. The spots on the dorsal surface of the fawn function to aid camouflage against the dense vegetation it uses for shelter when it is very young. As the individual ages, it loses the spotted pattern and gains its adult colouration.
Also known as the ‘barking deer’, Reeves' muntjac makes a sharp barking noise, which is thought to be used when it is alarmed or in danger, although it may also serve as a warning to predators, or as a means of communication.
There are three known subspecies of Reeves' muntjac: Muntiacus reevesi jiangkouensis, Muntiacus reevesi reevesi and Muntiacus reevesi micrurus. The subspecies differ slightly in appearance, with Muntiacus reevesi micrurus being darker and richer in colour than the other subspecies. |
