Genus Muntjacs Muntiacus
Reeve’s muntjac видео
The muntjacs, also known as barking deer, are the oldest known deer that were probably the ancestors of all deer. The genus Muntiacus has 5 to 10 extant species. Muntjacs are unique in their chromosome variations. Thus, the Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) is the mammal with the lowest recorded chromosome number: the male has just 7 chromosomes, the female only 6 chromosomes. The muntjacs are relatively small deer with body length ranging from 64 to 135 cm (and the tail length may vary from 6 to 24 cm in different species) and weight, from 12 to 33 kilograms (largest males may weigh up to 50 kg). The antlers are short and have one or two tines, each measuring less than 15 cm in length. Like many other deer, only male muntjacs have antlers. Besides, males have elongated, protruding tusk-like teeth in their upper jaw that the animals use for cutting hard food. The colour of the coat depends on the species and varies from golden tan to greyish-brown and dark brown. Some muntjacs feature light spots on their coat. Muntjacs are omnivorous, feeding on herbs, fruit, sprouts, browse, and grasses, as well as on bird eggs and small mammals.
The Reeve’s muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi)is found in eastern China, India, Malaysia and other countries of Southeastern Asia, and Taiwan. The Reeve’s munjac is common in its range; the continental population is estimated at 650 thousand individuals. Reeve’s mutjacs were introduced to England and France where they have well adapted to the conditions of wildlife parks.
