The Species: Giant or Large-antlered Muntjac

A key species in the forest ecosystem

Scientific name	Muntiacus vuquangensis
Conservation status	Vulnerable
Status in Vietnam	not evaluated
Endemism	Indochina

Following the scientific discovery of the saola, another new ruminant species, the giant or large-antlered muntjac (a medium size deer), was revealed during a 1994 survey in the Greater Annamites.

The new deer is related to other muntjac but does not differ significantly from other species in size. It is characterized by short, thick pedicles and long antlers and tines.

Skulls with horns of this species have been found in the forest along the Annamites Mountains in both Vietnam and Lao PDR. Like the saola, the giant muntjac is restricted to these mountains, although its population is distributed more widely.

The giant muntjac is important because it contributes to the region's unique biodiversity and helps balance the forest ecosystem as a source of food for globally important endangered carnivores such as the tiger and clouded leopard.