Puhoat Muntjac – Muntiacus puhoatensis – Trai, 1997

Science name: Muntiacus puhoatensis – Trai, 1997

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Mammalia>> Artiodactyla >> Cervidae >> puhoatensis

Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: LC (Least Concern)

Description: 

Physical Characteristics:
Muntiacus puhoatensis is one of the smallest muntjacs, with an estimated weight ranging from 8 to 15 kg. Its physical characteristics are not well-documented, but it is likely to share similar features with other muntjacs, such as a compact body, elongated canines, and small, single-pronged antlers in males.

Distribution and habitat:

Altitude:
The Muntiacus puhoatensis inhabits elevations above 900 meters above sea level.

Range:
This species is known only from the Pu Hoat area in Que Phong District, Nghe An Province, Vietnam. Its range remains poorly understood due to a lack of confirmed sightings in other regions, though it is speculated that it may occur in nearby Laos.

Habitat:
The habitat of Muntiacus puhoatensis is primarily closed-canopy evergreen forests located on steep slopes. The region also contains various forms of secondary and degraded forest, particularly below 900 meters. Despite its identification, very little is known about its specific ecological preferences or natural history. It is found in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests.

Behaviour and ecology:

Social Structure:
No detailed information is available regarding the social structure of Muntiacus puhoatensis, but like other muntjacs, it is presumed to be solitary or form small family groups. Muntjacs are generally known for their territorial behavior, marked by vocalizations and scent markings.

Feeding Habits:
Though specific dietary habits are unknown, it is likely that Muntiacus puhoatensis is a browser, feeding on leaves, fruits, and other plant material, as is typical for muntjacs.

Reproduction:
There is no detailed reproductive information available for this species. However, other muntjacs typically have a gestation period of around 7 months, and females often give birth to one fawn per pregnancy.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Muntiacus puhoatensis is listed as Data Deficient under IUCN criteria due to a lack of comprehensive data on its population, range, and ecological requirements.

Population Trend:
The population trend is unknown due to the scarcity of sightings and data. No estimates of the number of mature individuals or population structure are available.

Threats:
The primary threats to Muntiacus puhoatensis are likely habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and logging activities in its limited range. Hunting may also pose a threat, as it does for many other muntjac species in the region.

Conservation Actions:
As of now, there are no targeted conservation measures specifically for Muntiacus puhoatensis. However, the region in which it is found may benefit from broader forest protection initiatives aimed at conserving the biodiversity of Vietnam’s montane forests.