Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue encouraging through knowledge a natural balance

Muntjac deer, muntiacus reevesi, buck, stag, doe, fawn

 

Muntjac, also known as Barking Deer, are the oldest known deer on our planet. They first appeared 15-35 million years ago. They are also the smallest deer found in the UK measuring a mere 50 cm at the shoulder in males and 47 cm in females. They prefer dawn and dusk to feeding. They are solitary deer and do not

herd.

 

They were introduced to England by the Duke of Bedford from South East Asia in about 1900 to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1901. They escaped during storms where fences were down although some say they were released either way they now inhabit much of England.

 

They are called the Reeves' Muntjac (muntiacus reevesi) named after John Reeves, who was an inspector with The East India Tea Company in 1812.

 

 

Through a series of escapes or deliberate releases and increased populations it is sometimes written that they pose a serious threat to woodland management eating almost any plant material that grows within their browse line which in turn impacts upon the natural habitat of many species of plants, insects and small birds. There is no research to back these claims and we know that agricultural and forestry damage is less with the muntjacs than with other much larger species of antlered deer.

 

The tiny deers can live up to 19 years in the wild and uniquely breed through out the year. They carry their tiny fawns for 7 months before giving birth to a fawn that will sit comfortably in the palm of your hands.
They are small, stocky, russet-grey brown, white patches on chin throat and rump, short antlers, visible upper canine (in bucks), large facial glands (under the eye), ginger forehead with pronounced black lines, wide tail and tusks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Female muntjacs are brave and will try and defend their tiny fawns. The female has no tusks or antlers so her defense is weak. She will scream if her fawn is approached. This behavior is unique in muntjac deer in the UK. It has been known for females to charge someone trying to pick up her fawn.

 

 

The buck muntjacs have sharp antlers and have been known to injure hunting dogs that are trying to kill them. This has only been in defense of their life. Of course the pack always prevails but huntsman are wary of these tiny creatures.

The Muntjac deer is listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in respect of England, Wales and Scotland.

 

 

volunteers

We are run totally by volunteers. Our volunteers are dedicated and come from a wide range of backgrounds and all bring something special to our team.

 

We are always looking for more volunteers to carry out some of the roles below.

If you have some spare time and would like to help us in some area please fill out the following form and return it to info@harperaspreywildliferescue.co.uk. and we will be in contact with you.

As well as helping with animal care, there are other volunteering opportunities.

Maybe you could collect injured animals in your area when needed and bring them into us.

 

Perhaps you have experience in fundraising or PR and you can help raise awareness of our charity through local and national media?

Maybe you have strong administration skills.

If you think that you have the skills to help us then please complete the form on this page. Volunteers

We are sorry but we cannot take anyone under the age of 18.

 

There are many ways you can help us

 

See if you can help us by clicking here - Can You Help Us . From hands on volunteering to clicking at home we need all sorts of help and all sorts of people to join our small and crazy team.

our wonderful team

To find out a little about the people that run our rescue Click here Our Team

 

long term goals

Our long term goal is to set up an exciting Education Centre for school and groups ·with a fully equipped 24 hours wildlife hospital with full time vets and ambulances. Anyone able to help with this progress this in relation to land and finance should contact Anne for more detail on. info@harperaspreywildliferescue.co.uk.

Shopping on-line with Amazon

 

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