Muntjac Deer
Muntiacus reevesi
Shoulder height 45-48cm

The smallest British deer, barely the size of an Alsatian dog. Although established and fairly common in many parts of C and S England, all these animals are descendants of escapees from Woburn Park in Bedfordshire. Favours areas of dense undergrowth through which it can move with surprising ease and silence. Coat is reddish brown. If only part of animal is seen, for example flanks, could be mistaken for fox. Male has small antlers and long canines projecting as tusks; tusks of female are shorter. Generally silent but utters sharp bark if alarmed. Fond of ornamental shrub, tea-leaved willow.