Identification:
This species is of medium size within the Cervidae family (deer). Body weight is approximately 40-50 kg. The face lacks a mane or tuft of hair on the forehead. The coat is glossy yellow with black stripes running down the antler bases on the inner forehead, from the small antler branches to the entire preorbital glands. The preorbital glands protrude, measuring about 2 cm long with folded edges. There are a few fine, black hairs along the preorbital glands, and a row of long hairs around the glands falling backward. The lachrymal glands have a band of dark-colored fine hairs. The dorsal (back) area is darker than the ventral (belly) area. There is a dark stripe from the neck down the back. The tail tuft is dark, and the underside of the tail is white. Males possess relatively large antlers.
Biology and Ecology:
The primary diet consists of grass and leaves. There is no available data on the reproduction of Large-antlered Muntjacs. They inhabit primary forests, secondary forests, and grassy savannas. They are nocturnal, living solitary lives and only pairing up during the breeding season.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien – Hue, Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan.
- World: Laos.
Value:
A species new to science, first discovered in Vietnam in 1994. It is a rare species with significant value for gene pool conservation, and it has been included in the Vietnam Red Data Book (2000).
Conservation Status:
The distribution area is relatively large, mainly in the central provinces from Nghe An to Ninh Thuan. Their habitat often overlaps with the Fea’s Muntjac. Due to the lack of conservation measures, they are still hunted and trapped frequently, leading to a decline in numbers. Deforestation for slash-and-burn agriculture and the development of industrial crop areas also contribute to habitat loss and limit the distribution area.
Assessment:
VU A1c,d C1 (Vulnerable).
Conservation Measures:
The species has been included in the Vietnam Red Data Book (2000) and Decree 32/2006/ND-CP of the Government, but hunting and trapping of the Large-antlered Muntjac, Fea’s Muntjac and other mammals must be prohibited in the areas where the Large-antlered Muntjac live. Furthermore, more nature reserves should be established in A Luoi (Thua Thien – Hue) and Ea So (Dak Lak) to protect and restore the Large-antlered Muntjac and the Saola.