Southern Red Muntjac

Indian muntjacs are small forest deer distributed across South and Southeast Asia. They occupy tropical and subtropical forests, woodland margins, scrub, and dense secondary vegetation. Males carry short antlers on elongated pedicels and possess enlarged upper canine teeth used during conflict. Often called barking deer, muntjacs produce loud bark-like alarm calls. They are generally solitary, secretive animals that move through dense cover along established paths. (Animal Diversity Web)

Indian muntjacs browse leaves and shoots while also consuming fruit, seeds, grasses, and occasionally animal material. Unlike strongly seasonal deer, they can reproduce during much of the year where conditions remain suitable. Females usually produce a single fawn following gestation of roughly six to seven months. The newborn remains concealed in vegetation during its vulnerable early period, while its mother returns to nurse and protect it until it can accompany her and forage independently. (Animal Diversity Web)