The leaf muntjac or leaf deer (Muntiacus putaoensis) is a small species of muntjac. It was discovered very recently, in 1997, by biologist Alan Rabinowitz during his field study in Myanmar. He managed to obtain specimens, from which DNA analysis revealed a new bovid species. Therefore few is known about this species for the time being.

Distribution and habitat

The leaf muntjac is uniquely found in dense forests of Myanmar, in the region to the Northeast of Putao , hence its scientific epithet, and to the South of the Nam Tamai branch of the Mai Hka River . It is found at an altitude of 450 to 600 m - the transition zone between tropical forests and temperate ones.

Description

The species stands only 60-80 cm in height, making it the smallest deer in the world. Its weight is usually about 11 kg.

Leaf muntjacs live in solitary and seems to act both nocturnally and diurnally.

Diet

It mostly feeds on fruits.

Threat

Despite the small size of the animal and its antlers, hunting has considerably reduced the leaf muntjac population. Loss of habitation represents also another considerable threat.