I think you'll agree this little chap below looks pretty amazing considering he's millions of years old!!! Of course he isn't actually that old but muntjacs are the oldest known deer and are thought to have been around 15-35 million year ago. On Monday I spotted one on the reserve just along the hedgerow and recently we’ve been seeing the odd one in the office garden.
Muntjac- Alfonso Paz
These small deer don’t have a fixed breeding season unlike other deer in the UK and so reproduce all year round. They prefer woodlands but are increasingly spotted in gardens and urban areas. Native to south east Asia, these exotic looking deer were introduced to parks in the UK in the early 1900s and escapees have since established a wild population. They are increasing in numbers and it is thought they will soon be the most common deer in England.
They are also known as barking deer for their loud call, so even if you don't see one you might hear one.
If you’re out and about on the reserve keep your eyes and ears peeled for these lovely little deer. You never know, you might even be lucky enough to spot one in your own garden!