Gongshan muntjac

Gongshan muntjac
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Cervidae
Genus: Muntiacus
Species:
M. gongshanensis
Binomial name
Muntiacus gongshanensis
Ma, 1990[2]

The Gongshan muntjac (Muntiacus gongshanensis)[3] is a species of muntjac (a type of deer) living in the Gongshan mountains in northwestern Yunnan, southeast Tibet, Northeast India (especially in Arunachal Pradesh) and northern Myanmar.[4]

Ongoing hunting is a major threat to its survival. While the population cannot be accurately counted, they are often seen on camera-trapping studies which suggest a population well above being endangered. Gongshan Muntjacs have been observed within two large protected areas in Myanmar, Khakaborazi National Park and the Hponkanrazi Wildlife Sanctuary.[1]

Genetic studies have shown it to be very closely related to the hairy-fronted muntjac, possibly close enough to be considered the same species despite different coloration, though this position is disputed.[1] References of occurrence of the hairy-fronted muntjac Muntiacus crinifrons in Arunachal Pradesh are actually Gongshan muntjac.[5]

  1. ^ a b c Timmins, R.; Duckworth, J.W. (2016). "Muntiacus gongshanensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T13926A22160596. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T13926A22160596.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. ^ Ma, Shilai; Wang, Yingxiang; Shi, Liming (1990). "A new species of the genus Muntiacus from Yunnan, China". Zoological Research. 11: 47–52. Archived from the original on 2021-01-18. Retrieved 2013-03-24.
  3. ^ Grubb, P. (2005). Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 0-8018-8221-4. OCLC 62265494.
  4. ^ Choudhury, A.U. (2009). Records and distribution of Gongshan and leaf muntjacs in India. Deer Specialist Group News 23: 2-7.
  5. ^ Choudhury, A.U. (2003). The mammals of Arunachal Pradesh. Regency Publications, New Delhi. 140pp