Muntjak

The Chinese muntjac is a small, sturdy deer about 45 centimetres tall at the shoulder, with a noticeable hunched look. Male muntjacs have short, simple antlers growing from hard bumps on their heads and curved tusks that can be seen when they open their mouths. Both males and females have a rich reddish-brown coat and a black V-shaped mark on their face. When alarmed, they hold their tail up, showing the white underside. The Chinese muntjac originally comes from southeastern China and Taiwan. It has also established wild populations in southern England and parts of Wales after some escaped from captivity. They prefer thick woodland with lots of undergrowth, especially places with brambles and rhododendrons. Chinese muntjacs are most active at dawn and dusk and usually live alone. They make a distinctive bark, similar to a dog's bark, which they use all year round to communicate and mark their territory. This sound is often the first sign that they are nearby in suitable areas.