Muntiacus atherodes Groves & Grubb 1982

2.

Bornean Yellow Muntjac

Muntiacus atherodes

French: Muntjac de Bornéo / German: Borneo-Muntjak / Spanish: Muntiaco de Borneo

Taxonomy. Muntiacus atherodes Groves & Grubb, 1982,

Tawau, Sabah (Borneo).

The first member of the genus probably occurred in south-western China about nine million years ago. All muntjacs are characterized by relatively long pedicles, small preorbital fossae, tusk-like upper canines; metatarsal glands are absent. The Bornean Yellow Muntjac has been confused with the sympatric M. muntjak for many decades. It has been considered a primitive species for its rudimentary tiny antlers with irregular antler cycles, but the regression of antlers may be only an extreme adaptation to environment and climate. Monotypic.

Distribution. Borneo.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 85-90 cm, tail 15-19 cm, shoulder height 65 cm; weight 14-18 kg. Small, with short slender pedicles and very short unbranched antlers (2-4 cm long). Males are slighter larger than females. The coat is predominantly yellow or yellowish-orange, with agouti-banded hairs and there is a broad dorsal stripe. The tail is dark brown dorsally; the underparts are pale yellow.

Habitat. Uses both primary and secondary forests. It seems absent from mountains.

Food and Feeding. Eats leaves, buds, forbs, seeds, fruits, and grass.

Breeding. Nothing is known.

Activity patterns. Active all day, with a tendency to be diurnal.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Observed alone or in pairs.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Still widespread, locally common but probably decreasing (especially in the Indonesian part of the island).

Bibliography. Dong (2007), Groves & Grubb (1982, 1990), Payne & Francis (2005).