Habitat
Bornean yellow muntjacs are terrestrial ungulates that live
in variety of habitats, including moist forests, low hills, coastal regions,
and areas of dense vegetation. They are not normally found far from water
(Nowak, 1999). They are found from 0 to 1200m (ARCBC, 2006). (ARCBC, 2006;
Nowak, 1999)
Physical Description
Bornean yellow muntjacs are characterized by a
yellowish-orange hue to their fur. They have a darker stripe on the nuchal
region which becomes yellowish-orange on the sides and then whitish on the
belly. The tail has a dark nuchal stripe and the pale ventral color and is 14
to 20 cm in length. The under part of the throat retains the ventral paleness.
The ears are sparsely haired with coloration ranging from deep brown to
yellowish or grayish brown with creamy or whitish markings (Nowak, 1999). Males
have slender, simple horns of 16 to 42 mm in length. Males lack both frontal
tufts of hair and antler burrs (Payne and Francis, 1985). Females have small,
bony knobs and tufts of hair in place of horns. Males also have modified upper
canines that curve strongly outward from the lips, forming small tusks (Norwak,
1999). At birth, fawns possess lines of white spots on the upper parts of their
bodies. These spots remain until they are half their adult size (Payne and
Francis, 1985). (Nowak, 1999; Payne and Francis, 1985; Whitehead, 1993)
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Ordo: Artiodactyla
Family: Cervidae
Subfamily: Cervinae
Subfamily: Cervinae
Genus: Muntiacus
Species: Muntiacus atherodes
Reproduction
Little is known about mating in Bornean yellow muntjacs.
Mating systems and behavior may be similar to other, better studied, species of
muntjacs, where males compete for access to females in estrous.
Bornean yellow muntjacs are polyestrous and breed throughout
the year. Their estrus cycle lasts between 14 and 21 days and gestation between
210 and 215 days. Typically a single fawn is born, very rarely twins. The fawn
will stay hidden in thick vegetation until it is able to move about with its
mother (Norwak, 1999). Weaning lasts between 2 months (Walker, 2006) to halfway
into the next pregnancy, which will be conceived just a few days after a fawn
is born (Whitehead, 1993). Sexual maturity will be reached within 6 to 12
months (Huffman, 2006). (Huffman, 2006; Nowak, 1999; Walker, 2006; Whitehead,
1993)
Females lactate and protect their young. Otherwise, little
is known about parental investment in the young. Like other muntjacs, Bornean
yellow muntjacs are somewhat precocial when born and develop rapidly. (Nowak,
1999)
Lifespan/Longevity
There is little available information on the lifespan of
Bornean yellow muntjacs.
Behavior
Little is known about the behavior of Bornean yellow
muntjacs. They are mainly diurnal and lift their feet high when walking (Nowak,
1999). They are often seen in pairs consisting of an adult male and an adult
female, they are occasionally observed alone (Payne and Francis, 1985). (Nowak,
1999; Payne and Francis, 1985)
Communication and Perception
Muntjacs, in general, are known as ‘barking deer’ due to the
short, sharp, loud, and deep bark-like call they produce. When alarmed, the
barking of Bornean yellow muntjacs can last for more than an hour. The
frequency of barking increases in circumstances of reduced visibility (Nowak,
1999). A short, high-pitched mewing sound is emitted by females with young
(Payne and Francis, 1985). Muntjacs also use the secretions from their
pre-orbital glands to communicate reproductive state, territorial boundaries,
and to cement social bonds. (Nowak, 1999; Payne and Francis, 1985)
Food Habits
Bornean yellow muntjacs feed on an assortment of vegetation:
leaves, fruits, shoots, grasses, herbs, and seeds. They are mainly diurnal,
feeding throughout the day. (Payne and Francis, 1985; Walker, 2006; Payne and
Francis, 1985; Walker, 2006; Payne and Francis, 1985; Walker, 2006)
Predation
Known predators of Bornean yellow muntjacs include clouded leopards
(Neofelis nebulosa) and humans. (Payne and Francis, 1985)
Ecosystem Roles
There is little available information on the ecosystem role
of Bornean yellow muntjacs. They may help to disperse the seeds of fruit trees
by eating them and they act as prey to large, forest predators.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
Bornean yellow muntjacs are hunted for their skins and meat.
(Nowak, 1999)
Economic Importance for Humans: Negative
Bornean yellow muntjacs are considered a nuisance because
they destroy trees by stripping off bark. (Nowak, 1999)
Conservation Status
Bornean yellow muntjacs are listed as primarily lower risk
on the IUCN's 2006 Red List of Threatened Animals. Additionally, they fall into
the sub-category of least concern (IUCN, 2006). However, hunting pressure on
this species is high. They are attracted to grazing areas near roads and in
forest cuts, making them more susceptible to hunting (Meijaard et al., 2006).
(IUCN, 2006; Meijaard, et al., 2006)
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