New Delhi, February 6: If you find yourself in a forest or hilly area and suddenly hear a barking sound resembling that of a dog, there’s no need to panic. It might not be a dog but rather the ‘Barking Deer,’ a unique predator in its own right.
According to the Gujarat Forest Department, this small yet highly alert creature is a distinctive part of Indian Wildlife. While its name suggests a charming deer, its sharp teeth and predatory instincts make it a remarkable hunter. The Indian muntjac, or Barking Deer, typically measures between 20 to 30 inches in length and weighs around 22-23 kilograms. Male deer have small antlers that rarely exceed 5 inches in length, featuring a small brow tine and a simple beam.
Adult males are usually brown or gray, with well-developed long, pointed teeth in their upper jaws. These teeth are essential for catching prey, defending against threats, and consuming food. Notably, Barking Deer are omnivorous. They feed on grass, leaves, tender buds, fruits, seeds, bark, and twigs, and they also consume bird eggs, small creatures, and occasionally carrion.
In the forests of Gujarat, these deer can be spotted easily, and they are also found in southern India. When threatened, Barking Deer bark loudly like a dog, sometimes for over an hour. Initially, it was believed that this barking was a form of communication during the breeding season, but studies reveal it serves as a warning to predators, indicating that they have been spotted. This often causes the predator to flee or fail to conceal itself.
Barking is more prevalent in areas with low visibility. Male muntjacs are particularly vigilant and aggressive about their territory. Despite their small size, they can defend themselves with their antlers and sharp teeth against each other or dog-like predators. These deer typically live alone, in pairs, or in small family groups and are active both day and night. They inhabit forests, grasslands, thickets, and the slopes of the Himalayas, usually staying close to water sources.
This species of muntjac is abundant in South Asia. Barking Deer can be found not only in India but also in Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, China, and several other countries.