|
|
- Common Name: Red Muntjac
- Scientific Name: Muntiacus muntjac curvostylis
- Date Taken: December 8, 2006
- Location: Kao Yai National Park
- Thailand
- Photographer: Howard Cunningham
-
Native to South and Southeast Asia, the red muntjac is commonly
referred to as the Indian muntjac or barking deer due to the
loud, bark-like calls they emit when alarmed. Red muntjacs
are small deer, with adults typically weighing between 10
to 18 kilograms (22 to 40 pounds) and standing about 0.5 to
0.6 meters (1.5 to 2 feet) tall at the shoulder. They have
short, reddish-brown fur, with a characteristic "V" shaped
marking on their forehead. They inhabit various forest habitats,
including tropical rainforests, deciduous forests, and
scrublands. They are also known to thrive in disturbed habitats
such as secondary forests and plantations. Primarily herbivores,
they feed on a variety of plant materials including leaves,
shoots, fruits, and flowers. They are known to be opportunistic
feeders, adapting their diet to seasonal availability. Solitary
animals, except during the mating season when they seek out
mates, they are primarily most active during dawn and dusk,
although they may be active at night as well. Habitat loss
and fragmentation due to human activities pose significant
threats to their populations in some regions.
|