27-4-2024 KANHA, INDIA - NORTHERN RED MUNTJAC (Muntiacus vaginalis)

The Northern red muntjac (Muntiacus vaginalis)[1][2] is a species of muntjac. It is found in numerous countries of south-central and southeast Asia.

It was recently found distinct from the southern red muntjac (previously typically known as Indian muntjac) and includes all the population previously attributed to M. muntjak that are outside of Sunda and perhaps of Malaysia.

The subspecies bancanus, montanus, muntjak, nainggolani, peninsulae, pleiharicus, robinsoni, rubidus stays in the southern red muntjac (M. muntjak), while annamensis, aureus, curvostylis, grandicornis, nigripes are now attributed to the northern red muntjac (M. vaginalis).

The northern red muntjac occurs in twelve countries of south-central and south-east Asia including Pakistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.

It is also present in Hong Kong. Its presence in Malaysia is uncertain.

It is listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN due to its large distribution, presence in protected areas and resilience to hunting and habitat change.

Due to the degradation of habitat and hunting for their body parts and meat, Muntjac populations are drastically decreasing throughout their range.