Description of the leaf deer (Muntiacus putaoensis), a new species of muntjac from northern Myanmar

In May 1998, an expedition into northern Myanmar obtained detailed descript ive data on a new species of muntjac called the leaf deer, first discovered on a survey the previous year and characterized primarily by its diagnosti c DNA compared to other muntjac species. Weights, measurements, and physica l data were obtained from 12 freshly killed leaf deer, along with partial m easurements from 90 head pieces of leaf deer found in village huts. Except for the diminutive, unbranched antlers on males, averaging 3.2 cm long, old er male and female leaf deer were similar in size and appearance, with aver age weights of 12.1 kg and 11.8 kg for males and females, respectively. Whe n compared with other species, leaf deer are one of the smallest, and perha ps one of the most primitive, extant muntjacs. Two of the most distinguishi ng characteristics of this new species are the relatively long, equal-sized canines in both older adult males (average 2.4 cm long) and older adult fe males (average 2.2 cm long), and the lack of spotting on the coats of a new born and two juveniles estimated to be <2 months old. All older males (n = 3) and 40% of older females (n = 5) had healed wounds on one or both ears. These wounds, in addition to the large canines in both sexes, may indicate that females as well as males compete actively for resources. Although stil l relatively abundant throughout mid-elevation dense evergreen forests, bet ween the northern extremities of the Mai Kha and Mall Kha Rivers in north M yanmar, the currently known distribution of the leaf deer is outside any pr otected areas. Persistent hunting by local people with snares, dogs, and cr ossbows for a thriving market trade in deer leather, have caused noticeable decreases in numbers of leaf deer captured over recent years and could thr eaten the future survival of this new species.