Reeve's muntjac  (Muntiacus reevesi)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

This small, stocky (2) introduced species has a shiny reddish coat which turns brownish-grey in winter, and the chin, throat, the area between the hind legs and underside of the long tail are paler (4). Both sexes have a rounded back, and large scent glands below the eye used for scent marking (6). Females are slightly smaller than males; other differences include males possessing antlers, which grow to 7cm in length, and obvious canine teeth that grow up to 3cm long (4). Furthermore, males have a dark 'V' pattern on the forehead (4), whereas females have a diamond shape (7). For the first 8 or so weeks of life, fawns have a light coloured coat with lines of spots around a dark stripe passing along the back (6).

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