Northern Red Muntjac Muntiacus vaginalis

The Northern Red Muntjac, also known as Barking Deer or (previously known as Indian Muntjac), is a small to medium-sized herbivorous mammal found in the forests and grasslands of the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar. It is often found in both tropical and temperate forests, as well as in grassland areas near forests, and is especially common in regions with dense vegetation. It has a compact, stocky body covered in short, reddish-brown or yellowish-brown fur, with lighter underparts. Adult males have small, sharp antlers, which are typically less than 15 cm long. The species has a distinctive appearance with a relatively short body length of about 70–110 cm and a shoulder height of 45–60 cm. They weigh between 15–30 kg, with females generally being smaller than males.

It is known as Barking Deer from the high-pitched, barking sound it makes when alarmed, which is used as a warning to others of potential danger. These deer are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, fruits, and bark. They are solitary animals, though they may form small groups in favorable conditions. They are mainly nocturnal and are known to be highly elusive, preferring to stay hidden in dense cover during the day and emerging at night to feed.

IUCN Status: Least Concern

IWLPA: Schedule I

CITES: Not Defined