Bornean yellow muntjac

The Borneo muntjac ( Muntiacus atherodes ) is a deer from the kind of barking deer ( Muntiacus ). It occurs on the island of Borneo.

Features

The Borneo muntjac reaches a head -body length of 85 to 90 cm, a tail length of 15 to 19 cm, a shoulder height of 65 cm and a weight of 14-18 kg. The short, thin, 2-4 cm long antlers have very short, unbranched ends. In contrast to those of other species Muntjak they are not discarded. The males are slightly larger than females. The coat is yellow or yellowish -orange, mixed with agouti - banded hairs. About the back runs a wide strip. The tail upper side has a dark brown, the tail base on a bright yellow color.

Habitat

The Borneo muntjac inhabited both primary and secondary forests. In the mountains he does not seem to occur.

Way of life

The Borneo muntjac goes singly or in pairs in search of food, where it tends to be diurnal. Its diet consists of leaves, buds, herbaceous plants, seeds, fruits and grass. Through its reproductive behavior is not known.

Inventory and risk

The IUCN classifies the Borneo - a muntjac as " not at risk " ( least concern ). It is widespread and locally common. In Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo, however, is a decrease.

System

The Borneo muntjac was confused for decades with the sympatric Indian muntjac ( Muntiacus muntjac ). Because of its rudimentary, small antlers he was held for a primitive type. However, the regression of the antlers is obviously an extreme adaptation to the environment and climate.