REEVES’ MUNTJAC Muntiacus reevesi
A small and rather primitive deer, the Reeves’ muntjac is a native of south-east China and Taiwan, where it inhabits the subtropical forests of the region, appearing to particularly favour habitats in the vicinity of streams.
Like all muntjac, it is a primitive deer, and the bucks carry short, basic antlers and well-developed upper canine teeth. Although female muntjac also have canines, these are vestigial and not readily visible. Fossil evidence suggests that the muntjac has changed little in appearance for at least the past 15 million years. The Reeves’ muntjac is named for John Russell Reeves, a 19th-century inspector of tea who worked for the British East India Company in Canton. A prominent amateur naturalist, his name is also associated with the Reeves’ pheasant, as well as four species of reptile.
The tusk-like canines are important to the bucks, which will seek to establish exclusive territories that overlap with the home ranges of as
