Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Cervidae
- Genus
- Muntiacus
Habitat
This species inhabits dense tropical rainforests and montane forests on the island of Borneo, preferring areas with thick undergrowth and proximity to water sources. They are found from lowland areas up to elevations of about 1,500 meters, avoiding open spaces and human-altered landscapes.
Diet
Bornean yellow muntjacs primarily feed on leaves, fruits, shoots, and grasses, browsing in the understory of forests. They are most active at dawn and dusk, foraging alone or in pairs to minimize detection by predators. Their feeding behavior includes selective browsing on nutrient-rich plants to meet their dietary needs.
Behavior
These muntjacs are primarily solitary or live in pairs, with males being territorial and marking boundaries with scent glands. They are nocturnal, active mainly at night to avoid predators, and communicate through barking calls when alarmed. Notable behaviors include rapid, agile movements through dense vegetation and a tendency to freeze when threatened.
Conservation Status
The Bornean yellow muntjac is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting pressure. Population trends are declining, with major threats including logging and fragmentation of rainforest habitats.