The small Muntjac Deer is widespread in Warwickshire, living in parkland, woodland and even venturing into gardens. Male Muntjac have small unbranched antlers and long canine teeth. They can live for up to about 20 years, and adults stand at approximately 40 centimetres at the shoulder. They were introduced into England from China in the early twentieth century, by the Duke of Bedford. They have spread very widely through southern Britain, due to a combination of deliberate releases and escapes. They have a strange, dog-like bark which can often be heard in our woodlands in the autumn.
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You can send records of your Muntjac sightings to the Warwickshire Biological Records Centre (WBRC).
I know a colony of Muntjac are in Brandon, but I was interested where else they can be found in the county? How long after their introduction did it take for them to reach Warwickshire?
I’ve asked the county mammal experts for more information and will comment further when I’ve heard back from them. In the meantime I found this link interesting.
http://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/species/muntjac-deer
I’ve received this information from one of Warwickshire County Council’s ecologists. They have records of muntjac spread out all over the county, although the most northerly record held is currently at Whitacre Heath so they appear to be less abundant in the north. Other sites other than Brandon which are good spots include Bannam Wood, Avon Dassett, Long Lawford and the Whatcote/Honington area. It is unclear how long it took them to reach Warwickshire but there were deliberate releases and escapes in the 1900s and by the 1930s they were established widely. They are now present in most English counties south of the M62 Motorway.
These notes on Muntjac distribution were supplied by Toby Woodhams, Warwickshire’s County Mammal Recorder.
I regularly see Muntjacs in Great Alne
I wonder if we’ll ever see Chinese Water Deer in Warwickshire?
Hi, I’ve seen a Muntjac deer this evening in Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, I think it must be living in the near by New Hall Valley Country Park and had wondered onto the main road. I didn’t know what it was at first but after a little Internet research the Muntjac certainly fits the bill. I don’t know if there is anyone I should report this to, so just looking to see what I could find and came across this page so just thought I’d add it on here. If anyone knows if it should be reported please let me know. Thanks
Loraine – many thanks for your interesting sighting. Jon’s comment on 25th March gives details of who to report to.
Saw a muntjac deer in the churchyard by the Dog in Whitacre (near B46 Coleshill) on Monday 1st June 2015. [The Dog Inn, Nether Whitacre ed.]
Two Muntjacs spotted leaving the County Record Office car park at 5pm yesterday (Friday). Destination unknown, maybe off to enjoy the bright lights of Warwick?
Hi,
I saw a muntjac yesterday in Gibbet Hill (off moreal meadows) which is close to Warwick University and Gibbet Hill Wood. Failed to get a photo as I was in the car.
I saw one about 10 years ago in a similar area.
Saw one yesterday in Kenilworth – close to Upper Spring Lane – at 6pm
Saw a female one today good age and size running/jumping near to the hare and hounds pub Kersley CV6 area Coventry U.K
Saw one today at 3.30pm crossing the road by the DHL warehouse on Edison way Hams Hall logistic site.
14/05/22.
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