Albino barking deer
are small to medium-sized mammals with a slender, elongated body.
They have long, slender legs and are covered with short, fine fur, which is pure white due to albinism.
Their eyes and nose are pink, and their antlers are broad and taper with age.
Males have small antlers, which they use for self-defense.
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เก้งเผือก
Albino Barking Deer
| Animal Information |
- Common Name (Thai): เก้งเผือก
Common Name (English): Albino Barking Deer
Scientific Name: Muntiacus muntjak
| Average Lifespan |
Albino barking deer have an average lifespan of 12–15 years in the wild. In captivity, they can live up to 20 years. Their main threats include habitat destruction, poaching, and predation by large carnivores.
| Size and Weight |
Albino barking deer are small to medium-sized deer.
Body Length: 89–135 cm (35–53 inches)
Height at Shoulder: 40–65 cm (16–26 inches)
Weight: 15–30 kg (33–66 lbs)
Males are typically larger than females and possess short, branched antlers.
| Places to Visit |
Khao Kheow Open Zoo
Chiang Mai Zoo
Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo
Interesting Facts
The Albino Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjak) is a rare variation of the common barking deer, distinguished by its completely white fur due to a genetic mutation that results in albinism. This condition causes a lack of melanin, making the nose pink and the eyes red. Apart from its coloration, it shares similar characteristics with regular barking deer. Males have short antlers with two small branches on each side, while females do not have antlers but instead have a small tuft of hair on their heads. The albino barking deer is typically solitary and forages from evening until early morning. When startled, it emits a barking sound similar to a dog.
Habitat
Albino barking deer inhabit dense grasslands and forests with thick vegetation, which helps them hide from predators. Their distribution ranges across South and Southeast Asia, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. They are usually found near water sources and areas with dense tree cover.
Diet
Albino barking deer primarily feed on leaves and twigs but occasionally consume fruits and mineral-rich soil.
Behavior
These deer are mostly solitary and are active during the evening and early morning. During the daytime, they hide in dense vegetation or thick forests. They have highly developed senses of hearing, sight, and smell, allowing them to detect danger quickly. If startled, they will flee immediately while making a barking sound similar to that of a dog— a behavior common among all barking deer.
Other Facts
The albino barking deer’s white coat makes it visually striking, but it also makes hiding from predators difficult, making survival in the wild more challenging.
Reproduction
Female albino barking deer reach sexual maturity at around 7–9 months, while males reach maturity at 11–12 months. They can breed year-round, with a gestation period of 7–8 months, typically giving birth to one fawn per pregnancy. Females can conceive again just a few days after giving birth, allowing them to reproduce approximately every 7 months.
