Quick answer
IUCN status: Least ConcernSouthern red muntjac at a glance
The southern red muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) is a mammal in the family Cervidae. Range in Indonesia: Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Bali, Lombok and many smaller islands. Diet: leaves, grass, shoots and fruit; sometimes eggs and small animals. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Muntiacus muntjak |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Kijang muncak |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Cervidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Bali, Lombok and many smaller islands |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests |
| Diet | Leaves, grass, shoots and fruit; sometimes eggs and small animals |
| Range in Indonesia | Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Bali, Lombok and smaller islands |
| Key feature | Males have short antlers and tusks; dog-like barking call |
| Other names | Kijang, barking deer, Sunda red muntjac |
| IUCN Red List status | Least Concern |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 30 |
| Body weight | 14–35 kg (ADW figure for red muntjacs in the broad sense) · Animal Diversity Web — Muntiacus muntjak |
| Gestation | About 180 days · Animal Diversity Web — Muntiacus muntjak |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Active | Crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) — Also active during the day, but less than at dawn and dusk. · Exploring temporal activity of dholes, their prey, and competitors in East Java, Indonesia (Havmøller et al. 2024, Ecology and Evolution; PMC) |
In this guide (12)
What is the southern red muntjac?
The southern red muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) is a small reddish-brown deer; males carry short antlers and tusk-like canines. It is smaller and more slender than other deer. Farida and colleagues (2003) describe a darker back and a white chin, throat and belly, with paler females and young. Animal Diversity Web gives the male's upper canines as about 2.5 cm long. All Asian red muntjacs were once lumped in M. muntjak. Several authorities, including the Mammal Diversity Database, now treat mainland animals as M. vaginalis, leaving M. muntjak for the Malay Peninsula and the Sunda Islands. Unlike mouse-deer, male muntjacs have antlers.
Evidence: Biodiversitas — Farida et al. (2003), Habitat dan keragaman tumbuhan pakan kancil (Tragulus javanicus) dan kijang (Muntiacus muntjak) di Cagar Alam Nusakambangan ↗ · Animal Diversity Web — Muntiacus muntjak (Indian muntjac) ↗ · Mammal Diversity Database (ASM) — Muntiacus muntjak, Southern Red Muntjac ↗
Where does the southern red muntjac live?
In Indonesia, the southern red muntjac occurs in Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Bali, Lombok and many smaller islands, according to the Mammal Diversity Database; its range also includes the Malay Peninsula. It prefers dense scrub at forest edges, overgrown old fields and teak forest, from the lowlands up to mountains at 2,400 m. In Gunung Halimun National Park it was recorded up to 1,600 m on Gunung Botol and was often seen in the afternoon on open ground with tall, coarse grass. It also lives in West Bali National Park, where park staff estimated about 400 muntjacs in 2017.
Evidence: Mammal Diversity Database (ASM) — Muntiacus muntjak, Southern Red Muntjac ↗ · Tropics (J-STAGE) — Farida et al. (2006), Habitat distribution and diversity of plants as feed resources for mouse deer and barking deer in Gunung Halimun National Park ↗ · Mongabay Indonesia — Kijang Mati Diburu di Taman Nasional Bali Barat. Kok Bisa? (2017) ↗
What does the southern red muntjac eat?
The southern red muntjac eats leaves, grass, shoots, seeds and fruit, and occasionally birds' eggs and small animals; Animal Diversity Web describes red muntjacs as omnivores. On Nusakambangan, Farida and colleagues (2003) recorded 19 food plants, mostly leaves, such as mahang (Macaranga), anggrung (Trema), Leucaena and cassava leaves. In Gunung Halimun, muntjacs ate every plant species eaten by mouse-deer plus six more, including cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) and several figs. Like mouse-deer, muntjacs usually feed at night and in the early morning.
Evidence: Animal Diversity Web — Muntiacus muntjak (Indian muntjac) ↗ · Biodiversitas — Farida et al. (2003), Habitat dan keragaman tumbuhan pakan kancil (Tragulus javanicus) dan kijang (Muntiacus muntjak) di Cagar Alam Nusakambangan ↗ · Tropics (J-STAGE) — Farida et al. (2006), Habitat distribution and diversity of plants as feed resources for mouse deer and barking deer in Gunung Halimun National Park ↗
Why is the muntjac called the barking deer?
The muntjac is called the barking deer because it gives a dog-like bark when it senses a predator. According to Animal Diversity Web, it may keep barking for more than an hour to make the predator reveal itself or leave. Adult males and females are mostly solitary and pair up only in the mating season. Muntjacs are active both by day and at night. They can breed at any time of year and usually have a single fawn. The young leave the mother's territory at about six months old and must then find a territory of their own.
Evidence: Animal Diversity Web — Muntiacus muntjak (Indian muntjac) ↗ · Biodiversitas — Farida et al. (2003), Habitat dan keragaman tumbuhan pakan kancil (Tragulus javanicus) dan kijang (Muntiacus muntjak) di Cagar Alam Nusakambangan ↗
Is the southern red muntjac endangered?
The southern red muntjac is not globally threatened, but hunting and forest loss are putting pressure on its populations. The IUCN Red List classes it as Least Concern. A 2017 genetic study by Martins and colleagues notes that habitat loss and hunting have already caused significant declines in red muntjacs across their range, although they cope with disturbance better than many other hoofed mammals. On Nusakambangan, local people report that muntjacs are still hunted for meat, some of which is sold. In January 2017, four female muntjacs shot by poachers were found in West Bali National Park.
Evidence: BMC Evolutionary Biology (PMC) — Martins et al. (2017), Phylogeography of red muntjacs reveals three distinct mitochondrial lineages ↗ · Biodiversitas — Farida et al. (2003), Habitat dan keragaman tumbuhan pakan kancil (Tragulus javanicus) dan kijang (Muntiacus muntjak) di Cagar Alam Nusakambangan ↗ · Mongabay Indonesia — Kijang Mati Diburu di Taman Nasional Bali Barat. Kok Bisa? (2017) ↗
What should you do if a muntjac wanders into a village?
If a muntjac wanders into a village or building, do not chase, catch or hurt it; contact the conservation agency (BKSDA) or the nearest national park office. In August 2019, a young male muntjac entered a classroom at a vocational school in Turi, Sleman. The Yogyakarta BKSDA quick response team, Mount Merapi National Park staff and local people removed it. It was injured, probably from hitting desks, and was treated by a vet. The southern red muntjac is listed as protected under Ministerial Regulation P.106/2018, so do not buy its meat or live animals, and report poaching to the authorities.
Evidence: Ditjen KSDAE — Kijang Masuk SMK Muhammadiyah II Turi, Tim Quick Response Segera Evakuasi (2019) ↗ · JDIH Kementerian Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (PDF, dengan lampiran) ↗
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Southern red muntjac
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Cervidae |
| Genus | Muntiacus |
| Species | Muntiacus muntjak |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the southern red muntjac
What is the scientific name of the southern red muntjac?
The scientific name of the southern red muntjac is Muntiacus muntjak, in the family Cervidae. In Indonesian it is called Kijang muncak.
Where does the southern red muntjac live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the southern red muntjac in: Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Bali, Lombok and many smaller islands.
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests.
What does the southern red muntjac eat?
Diet of the southern red muntjac: leaves, grass, shoots and fruit; sometimes eggs and small animals.
How does the southern red muntjac reproduce?
The southern red muntjac reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the southern red muntjac nocturnal?
The cited source records the southern red muntjac as crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). Also active during the day, but less than at dawn and dusk. Source: Exploring temporal activity of dholes, their prey, and competitors in East Java, Indonesia (Havmøller et al. 2024, Ecology and Evolution; PMC).
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What are the main features of the southern red muntjac?
Key features of the southern red muntjac, from this guide’s sources: Key feature: males have short antlers and tusks; dog-like barking call; Body weight: 14–35 kg (ADW figure for red muntjacs in the broad sense).
How big is the southern red muntjac?
Body weight: 14–35 kg (ADW figure for red muntjacs in the broad sense). Source: Animal Diversity Web — Muntiacus muntjak.
What is the scientific classification of the southern red muntjac?
Scientific classification of the southern red muntjac: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Artiodactyla, family Cervidae, genus Muntiacus, species Muntiacus muntjak.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the southern red muntjac endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the southern red muntjac is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the southern red muntjac protected in Indonesia?
Is the southern red muntjac protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The southern red muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 30).
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the southern red muntjac be kept as a pet?
No. Because the southern red muntjac is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Sources & references
- Animal Diversity Web — Muntiacus muntjak (Indian muntjac) ↗
- Mammal Diversity Database (ASM) — Muntiacus muntjak, Southern Red Muntjac ↗
- BMC Evolutionary Biology (PMC) — Martins et al. (2017), Phylogeography of red muntjacs reveals three distinct mitochondrial lineages ↗
- Biodiversitas — Farida et al. (2003), Habitat dan keragaman tumbuhan pakan kancil (Tragulus javanicus) dan kijang (Muntiacus muntjak) di Cagar Alam Nusakambangan ↗
- Tropics (J-STAGE) — Farida et al. (2006), Habitat distribution and diversity of plants as feed resources for mouse deer and barking deer in Gunung Halimun National Park ↗
- Mongabay Indonesia — Kijang Mati Diburu di Taman Nasional Bali Barat. Kok Bisa? (2017) ↗
- Ditjen KSDAE — Kijang Masuk SMK Muhammadiyah II Turi, Tim Quick Response Segera Evakuasi (2019) ↗
- JDIH Kementerian Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (PDF, dengan lampiran) ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- Exploring temporal activity of dholes, their prey, and competitors in East Java, Indonesia (Havmøller et al. 2024, Ecology and Evolution; PMC) ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
National parks where it is recorded
According to the official national park profiles from the KSDAE directorate. The animal may also live elsewhere.
Related causes and news
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Southern red muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/southern-red-muntjac/