What Does a Muntjac Deer Face Look Like A Detailed Guide

Muntjac deer face has glands in it. Yes, I know it sounds weird, but it is how it is. There are many more interesting facts about Muntjac deer. Read along to discover more about the Muntjac deer face, why it barks, why it has fangs, and why it is so special!

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Muntjac Deer:

Muntjac Deer Face

It’s a little deer, but it holds two records. The first one, it’s the weirdest animal in Britain. The second record is actually huge; it’s one of the weirdest animals in the whole world. They have a small, stocky body. They are generally found in British Woodlands.

Muntjac Deer Body and Size:

The muntjac deer are actually small in size. They are just 50 cm high. You can say they are comparable to a medium-sized dog. For most of the summer period, they are hidden by tall vegetation. The male members of muntjac deer weigh between 10 to 18 kg, whereas females weigh between 9 to 16 kilograms.

When can you see a Muntjac Deer?

Winters are the best time to see Muntjac deers. You can locate them in British Woodlands easily.

When do Muntjac Deer Breed?

Muntjac Deer Breed?

They breed throughout the year, and there are no seasonal differences in their behavior. They bark or scream excessively after giving birth. They bark more than 100 times in succession to attack bucks. You might be shocked to know that right after giving birth, they may mate again, and their females virtually spend all of their young lives pregnant!

Eating Habits of Muntjac Deer:

Muntjac deer are herbivores. They feed on trees, shrubs, nuts, fungi, shoots, herbs, and berries.

Muntjac Deer Scent Glands:

Muntjac Deer Scent Glands

Muntjac are territorial animals that prefer to live solitary. You might be wondering what’s the purpose of muntjac scent glands. Interestingly, they use scent as a source of communication with deers who live away from them in larger groups. They have a long v-shaped slit in their foreheads or precisely frontal glands.

Muntjac deer have two large glands located in front of their eyes. These glands are known as preorbital glands. They use these glands to communicate with each other via scent!

These deers frequently lick these scent glands with their tongues to help them identify their own scent. Surprisingly, the smell of male muntjac deer is more powerful than females.

During periods of happiness and excitement, such as urinating, mating, or defecating, the muntjac deer sweat glands may be opened and wiped against twigs.

Muntjac Deer Voice- Bark or Scream:

Muntjac deers are extremely vocal. They are also known as barking deer. Actually, they don’t bark; rather, it’s merely a scream.

But don’t let their voice fool you. Their voices are often confused with foxes. It’s unique, and if you hear it once, you can differentiate between a fox’s voice and the naive muntjac deer’s scream.

The muntjac deer barks constantly when disturbed. If you hear a regular screaming or barking, it’s the first sign that you have spotted them. Then, the next scene might be that you’ll see the animal bouncing off with its tail held up and showing its white underside as a danger sign to other deer!

Muntjac Fangs and Their Purpose:

Muntjac Fangs and Their Purpose

Nick Baker says that the fangs are more flick knives than daggers. It seems like the fangs are located out of place. They are prominent in adult males where the long upper canines are upto 6 cm long.

Generally, most male deer use antlers to fight and display their strength and fitness. The naive male muntjac deer has only an elementary set. And that’s one of the reasons why these spiece loved to live in a shrubby habitat all alone. In this regard, the big antlers would be impractical; the fangs serve as closeup combat!

There are many older bucks that have scars on their face and flanks and have rugged ears. They have extended canines that are hinged, but luckily, they can be folded back when not needed so that the animal can eat without any hurdle. What a miraculous adaptation!

Are Muntjac Deers Native to the UK Only?

No, they aren’t native to the United Kingdom only. You can spot them in other countries as well. But as they were introduced at Woburn in the 20th century by the 11th Duke of Bedford, it’s a myth that it’s found there only.

Are Muntjac Deer Considered a Pest?

muntjac deer scent glands

Unfortunately, yes. Many gardeners and conservationists consider them as the number one public enemy. Here is why:

It has a high reproduction rate. And a major problem is its penchant for browsing out low growth especially of woodland flowers such as primroses and bluebells.
Some people say that it’s the cause of degradation of nightingale habitat.
The species is increasing at an alarming rate, causing ecological upset in its wake.

As you know, the excess of everything is bad, so the concerned authorities are planning strategies to limit its population accordingly.

Verdict:

Muntjac deer is the world’s weirdest animal, generally found in Britain’s woodlands. The muntjac deer face is a little weird because it has sweat glands on it. The deer uses these glands as a source of communication. It’s literally unique that the deers communicate with each other via scent!