Muntjac are the oldest but possibly the least studied and understood of all known deer species, prehistoric in origin with remains dated between 15 and 35 million years.
Muntjac buck called in by Author for photography
The population now found in most of southern England is the Reeves’ Muntjac (muntiacus reevesi) named after John Reeves, who was an inspector with The East India Tea Company in 1812. Introduction to England by the Duke of Bedford about 1900 is widely accepted as the source of our population.
Through a series of escapes and deliberate releases, together with their prodigious breeding, high numbers of Muntjac pose a serious threat to woodland management; eating almost any plant material that grows within their browse line which in turn impacts upon the natural habitat of many species of plants, insects and small birds. However, agricultural and forestry damage is less than with the other much larger species of antlered deer.
one seen yesterday in middle of day near railway line in north watford
Great to hear they are getting everywhere!
On the way home from visiting my husbands parents, we had just turned off the Tring roundabout and going along the Icknield road when a muntjack deer ran out in front of the car. I was driving and i just saw the deer out of the corner of my eye. I braked hard but i could do nothing to avoid the deer. It hit the side of my car with a sickening thud. When i looked to see if it was ok, there was blood in it’s eye but it’s head was up and moving around. After a while it got up, wandered across the road (luckly no other cars came along) it was holding up one leg but it managed to go back into the wood. Will it be ok or will nature take it’s course? Should i have called someone?
How upsetting for you ! I am not a vet but think that nature would have taken its course very quickly with the head injury. In daylight maybe a call to the local police for advise ? All very difficult at night
Often see many muntjac along epping high road. Occasionally half a dozen or more. Dont seem to be phased by the traffic!
Sounds like a pending traffic hazard . May be worth a call to the local council ref warnings signs for drivers and or some fencing for the deer ?
hi ive just had an encounter with a muntjack in habberley valley in kidderminster. at first i thought it was a dog as i was driving down the track, the deer ran and got it self caught in a steel wire square fence. it was well and tuely tangled up and bleeding, i took some pliers from the van and cut the wire to free it. i was quite scarred as when i approached it it let out a really loud cry like it was being murdured! i could see 2 large backward pointing teeth(i think thats what they were)i dont know who was more frightened me or the deer! a couple of snips throught the wire and it was off like a shot, i feel lucky to have seen this as i walk my dog here nearly every day and its only the second time of seen one
Well done you .Your good deed for the day . They are tough animals , old bucks carry lots or scars from fighting and their skin is very thick esp neck and shoulders .
I saw a muntjac tonight. Just before 8pm. Riding up Brick Kiln lane towards the racecourse the deer crossed the road infront of me and headed into St Georges Hall car park.
I witnessed a muntjac crossing a main arterial road, very close to Leicester City centre in the early hours of the morning. I was able to stop and observe it for a minute and, although I am no animal behaviourist, it did appear a little dazed and confused to me.
Are muntjac known to colonise towns and cities, or was this more likely to be an escaped pet?
There are sightings recorded in most towns and cities in the southern half of England . I heard one barking from a dense garden shrubbery in Northampton back in 94 and had one in my garden in Raunds in 82 .They colonise brambles and I suspect gain access to inner cities by following the railways G
We’ve just discovered a muntjac here on the banks of the canal in Bethnal Green – east London! They’re coming to town!
What good news suspect creeping in via brambles along railways ?
Whats the law on shooting Muntjac? I have two that jump a six foot fence, and have eaten most of the plants, in the garden.
Robin
Sorry Robin I am not the person to consult on the law suggest BASC ? suggest you make the fence higher G
Saw a young (spotted fawn) Muntjac last week (9/7/2011), in the Countesswells area of Aberdeen. Between the size of a large rabbit and a small hare. Was about to pass in front of the car, but very streetwise!
I just saw a muntjac whilst cycling in Overseal, Derbyshire. I was on the cycle path near Conkers. Fabulous! How sad that Margaret would consider ‘getting the hunters in’, I agree with Gerald… It is a privilege!!!
Trying to get research on the muntjac deer, because I am going to articulate one for a friend, the little information I can fine, people refer to their “horns” and “antlers”. Are these horned or antlered animals? If antlered, are these shed yearly or do they grow continually throughout the animals life, as in cows and goats?
Is there a good reference you can refer me to?
Muntjac bucks have antlers and they normally cast or fall off annually try the book by Charles smith jones mentioned on my website
I have seen a muntjac in my large suburban garden for the first time this morning. Should I call in the hunters? If so, how do I go about it?
Lucky Lady. Unless it is causing lots of damage what a privilege Hunters and suburbia don’t usually go well together ! If a real problem I think there are people who will catch Munjac but there is aways the possibility with females that a dependent fawn would be left . Perhaps fencing is the answer ?
Are there any Muntjac deer in Scotland and have there been any verifiable sightings of them?? If so where, and what is the estimated population?
As far as I know there are no Muntjac in Scotland
Do Muntjack deer have top and bottom incisors, or do they have a rasping pad?
Yes, Muntjac are like other deer and have no upper incisors