Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Cervidae
- Genus
- Muntiacus
Habitat
Fea's muntjac inhabits dense evergreen and mixed forests in hilly and mountainous regions of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, and southern China. They prefer areas with thick undergrowth and proximity to water sources for cover and foraging. This species avoids open areas, making it challenging to spot in its natural terrain.
Diet
Fea's muntjac primarily eats leaves, fruits, shoots, and grasses, with a preference for tender vegetation and fallen fruits. They are browsers that feed mainly at dawn and dusk to avoid predators. In their habitat, they selectively forage in undergrowth, helping control plant growth.
Behavior
Fea's muntjac are solitary animals, typically living alone except during mating, and are primarily nocturnal to evade predators. They exhibit territorial behavior, marking areas with scent glands and emitting loud barks as alarm calls. Males are aggressive in defending their territory, often engaging in antler fights with rivals.
Conservation Status
Fea's muntjac is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting pressure. Population trends are decreasing, with major threats including fragmentation of forest habitats in Southeast Asia.