Why are muntjac called barking deer?

The muntjac (pronounced munt-jack with an “uh” sound) is a genus of small deer native to Asia. It’s also known as the barking deer (because of the sound it makes) and the rib-faced deer (because of the bony ridges along the face).

Which animal is known as barking deer?

Indian muntjac
Most forests in India are home to the Indian muntjac, also called barking deer. Found across southern India, including the Western Ghats, in the dry forests of central India, the evergreen temperate forests of the Himalayas and the dense rainforests of northeast India, Indian muntjacs are a quiet and solitary species.

Where do you find muntjac deer?

Muntjac are native to Asia and can be found across India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, the Indonesian islands, Taiwan and Southern China.

What is special about muntjacs?

Muntjac are of great interest in evolutionary studies because of their dramatic chromosome variations and the recent discovery of several new species. The Indian muntjac (M. muntjak) is the mammal with the lowest recorded chromosome number: The male has a diploid number of 7, the female only 6 chromosomes.

Do muntjacs scream?

Muntjac are extremely vocal, hence their other name ‘barking deer’. Though it is called a ‘bark’, the sound is more like a scream and can be mistaken for a fox. A muntjac will invariably give a few barks when disturbed – this is usually the first sign that you have been spotted.

Is barking deer endangered?

Not extinctMuntjac / Extinction status

In which national park barking deer is found?

The barking deer, though not an endangered animal, is a rare species which must be protected from poachers as well as local villagers who are known to consume their meat. Here’s a chance to know about the barking deer, which resides in Gorumara and Jaldapara national parks of North Bengal.

Do muntjacs live in UK?

The muntjac deer was introduced into the UK from China in the 20th century. It has gained a stronghold in southeast England, where it can cause damage to our woods through browsing.