Leaf Muntjac (Leaf Deer)
The Wildlife Conservation Society, based at the Bronx Zoo, says the animal is the world’s smallest deer species. It is found in dense forest habitats at an elevation of 1500 – 2000 feet, where it s solitary and eats mostly fruit.
The leaf muntjac is uniquely found in dense forests of Myanmar, in the Hukawng Valley region to the Northeast of Putao, hence its scientific epithet, and to the south of the Nam Tamai branch of the Mai Hka River. It is found at an altitude of 450 to 600 m — the transition zone between tropical forests and temperate ones.
It was discovered very recently, in 1997, by biologist Alan Rabinowitz during his field study in the isolated Naungmung Township in Myanmar.
Leaf Muntjac Description
An adult leaf Muntjac deer stands at just 20 inches (50 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs less than 25 pounds (11 kg). They are light brown. Males have unbranched antlers that are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in height. Other than this, the male and female Muntjac deer are identical. This Leaf Muntjac is unusual among other deer because their offspring do not bear any spots. A Leaf Muntjac also differs from other muntjacs because both the male and female have pronounced canine tusks