Location

• Native Range: This species is native to eastern China and Korea.
• England: Introduced to the Woburn Abbey estate in the early 1900s; escapees from there and other private collections have since established free-ranging populations in southeastern England.
• France: Introduced near Limoges between 1960 and 1965 for hunting, where the population has adapted well.
• United States: They can currently be found on private ranches in Texas.

Description

• Size: Slightly larger than a Reeves muntjac, with males standing 20–21 inches at the shoulder and weighing 25–30 pounds. Females are marginally smaller.
• Coat: The summer coat is yellowish-brown, transitioning to a dull brown flecked with gray in the winter. The winter coat is notably thick, coarse, and loose-fitting.
• Distinguishing Features:
  • They have large, broad ears and a very short tail.
  • This species does not grow antlers.
  • Males possess elongated upper canine teeth that form tusks protruding from the lips, while females have very short canines.
  • They are the only deer species to possess inguinal (groin) glands.

Remarks

• Social Structure & Breeding: Typically solitary or found in pairs, these deer are territorial. While they usually have twins, they are highly prolific; litters of 3–4 are common, and up to six have been recorded.
• Movement & Sound: When disturbed, the deer retreats using a series of leaps similar to a rabbit. Their alarm call is a harsh bark, though males also whistle during the winter rut.
• Diet & Habitat: Primarily a grazer that feeds on grasses, they inhabit grasslands and brushy woodlands.