{"id":24375,"date":"2023-02-26T09:00:37","date_gmt":"2023-02-26T08:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sciencefocus.com\/?p=137791"},"modified":"2023-02-26T10:35:17","modified_gmt":"2023-02-26T09:35:17","slug":"worlds-weirdest-creatures-meet-the-muntjac-deer-natures-glandular-wonder","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/rss_feed\/worlds-weirdest-creatures-meet-the-muntjac-deer-natures-glandular-wonder\/","title":{"rendered":"World\u2019s weirdest creatures: Meet the muntjac deer, nature\u2019s glandular wonder"},"content":{"rendered":"

This diminutive deer has glands that can open so wide; they can actually turn inside out. <\/p>

By Holly Spanner\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Sunday, 26 February 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Although common in the British countryside, a recently viral video has shed new light on the seemingly bizarre adaptations of the muntjac deer. Many animals have the ability to inflate<\/a>, but this is typically more widely seen in birds, fish, and amphibians than it is in mammals.<\/p>\n

Along with a handful of mammals like some primates, elephant seals, and walruses, the muntjac deer is blessed with the cool ability of being able to inflate parts of its body. And the secret to its delightfully flappy face? It\u2019s all down to their incredible scent glands.<\/p>\n

What is a muntjac deer?<\/h2>\n

Muntjac deer are small, stocky mammals about the size of a small to medium dog. Reaching a shoulder height of around 45-52cm, they\u2019re the smallest species of deer in Britain and have tiny hooves to match, just 2cm wide by 3-4cm long. They\u2019re built for agility and speed, while their large, expressive eyes hint at a mischievous nature.<\/p>\n

Their copper-brown coat turns a dull grey colour in the winter, camouflaging them with the dappled colours of the forest floor.<\/p>\n

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Male (stag) muntjac deer have antlers, but the females do not \u00a9 Getty images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Muntjacs are an adaptive species and with no specific breeding season, can produce year-round offspring.<\/p>\n

Globally, there are at least seven species of muntjac, but it\u2019s the Reeves\u2019 muntjac (muntiacus reevesi)<\/em> that has thrived and established a new home for itself in the UK.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s with the nose?<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s one standout reason why muntjacs have captured people\u2019s attention and become a viral sensation: the inflating glands on their face.<\/p>\n

@texasfunnyfarm<\/a>

Muntjac deer are so weird! #weird<\/a> #deer<\/a> #wildside<\/a> #exotic<\/a> <\/p> \u266c original sound – TXFunnyFarm<\/a> <\/section><\/blockquote>