Muntjac Skull Wall Hang

Muntjac Skull

Features:

• High detail
• High texture
• Simple print
• Beautiful art piece to hang on wall :)

10 interesting facts about Muntjac deer:

1. The "Vampire" Deer

Unlike most deer that rely solely on antlers for defense, male muntjacs have long, downward-curving canine teeth (tusks). They use these sharp tusks to fight other males and defend themselves against predators.

2. They Bark Like Dogs

Muntjacs are famous for their loud, rhythmic vocalizations that sound remarkably like a dog's bark. They use this sound when they feel threatened or to communicate their presence to others in dense foliage.

3. "Living Fossils"

They are the oldest known deer species. Fossil records indicate that muntjacs have remained largely unchanged for 15 to 35 million years, dating back to the Miocene epoch.

4. Bizarre Facial Glands

Muntjacs have large preorbital glands located just below their eyes, which they can "evert" or turn inside out. They use these to mark territory with scent, and the sight of these glands opening and closing can be quite startling to those unfamiliar with the species.

5. Omnivorous Tendencies

While they primarily eat bamboo, seeds, and fruit, muntjacs are known to be opportunistic omnivores. They have been observed eating bird eggs, small mammals, and even carrion to supplement their diet.

6. Small but Sturdy

Most species are quite small, standing only 15 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. Their hunched posture—with hindquarters higher than their shoulders—helps them navigate quickly through thick underbrush.

7. Unique Antler Structure

Male muntjacs have antlers that grow from long, hair-covered bony stalks called pedicels. These antlers are usually short and simple, typically only having one or two tines.

8. Year-Round Breeding

Unlike many deer species that have a specific "rut" or breeding season, muntjacs can breed at any time of the year. A female can become pregnant again just days after giving birth.

9. A Long, Prehensile Tongue

They possess an incredibly long tongue that they use to strip leaves from branches. Their tongue is actually long enough that they can use it to wipe their own eyes and clean their faces.

10. Rapid Expansion

While native to South and Southeast Asia, the Reeves's muntjac was introduced to the UK in the early 20th century. Because they have no natural predators there and breed so quickly, they have become one of the most widespread deer species in the British countryside.