Chinese muntjac

From Asia to England

With a primitive appearance, the male has two short antlers supported by a very long tines. He has large canines used for fighting and to attract females. Equipped with prominent tear glands at the corners of its eyes, this deer marks all surfaces within its territory.

Unlike European deer, muntjacs breed year-round. The female muntjac reaches sexual maturity at 8 months. After a 7-month gestation period, she gives birth to a fawn, rarely two. She is receptive again just a few days later, so a female can produce 3 offspring every 2 years!

This species was introduced to England to populate the grounds of Woburn Abbey. Having escaped from there around the early 19th century and joined by other released or escaped specimens, this small Chinese deer eventually colonized central and southern England and then Wales.