Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Cervidae
- Genus
- Muntiacus
Habitat
This species inhabits dense montane forests and rugged mountainous terrain in the Annamite Range of central Vietnam and Laos. It prefers areas with thick undergrowth and elevation between 500 and 2000 meters for cover and food sources.
Diet
The Truong Son muntjac primarily eats leaves, fruits, shoots, and grasses, acting as a browser in forested areas. It feeds mainly at dawn and dusk, foraging alone or in small groups to minimize detection by predators.
Behavior
Truong Son muntjacs are solitary and territorial, marking their areas with scent glands and vocal calls. They are primarily nocturnal, resting in dense vegetation during the day and becoming active at night to forage and avoid threats. Males are more aggressive during mating season, engaging in displays to defend territory.
Conservation Status
The IUCN lists the Truong Son muntjac as Endangered, with populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting for meat. Conservation efforts include protected areas in Vietnam and Laos to mitigate these threats.