Overview
Larger than the Reeve's muntjac. Summer coat is a uniform yellowish-brown, turning a dull brown flecked with gray in winter. Underparts are white. Winter coat is thick and coarse and tends to be loose. Ears are large and broad, tail very short. Does not grow antlers; however, the upper canine teeth of the male are greatly elongated, forming tusks that protrude from the lips. The female has very short canines. Both sexes have small inguinal (groin) glands; this is the only deer to have such glands.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Cervidae
- Genus
- Hydropotes
- Species
- Hydropotes inermis
Habitat
Grassland and brushy woodland. Distribution- Korean Penninsula
Diet
Mainly a grazer.
Behavior
Solitary or in pairs. Territorial. The rut takes place in winter with the fawns born May or June, usually twins, but 3-4 are common and as many as six have been recorded. The alarm call is a harsh bark. Males also whistle during the rut. When disturbed, it runs off with a series of leaps, much like a rabbit.
Hunting
This animal is hunted indigenously, and often excessively.
Conservation Status
Listed as Vulnerable by IUCN.