History of introduction of Reeves’ muntjac in Great Britain and ecological characteristics facilitating expansion of feral populations

Abstract

Reeves’ muntjac, either deliberately released or escaped from collections, was present in a few areas of southern England in low numbers by the 1960s and was generally regarded as a benign introduction. As their numbers and distribution increased their impact on amenity woodland, forest plantations, ground flora and their potential competition with native herbivores became apparent. Their reproductive capabilities and ability to thrive in various habitats enabled them to become extremely successful invasive aliens, now established throughout much of England (887 10 km squares, almost all contiguous, in 2016), and a few locations in Wales and Northern Ireland. The species is included within the E.U. list of Invasive Aliens of Union Concern stemming from Regulation (EU) 1143/2014. The UK has the longest experience with free-living muntjac, so it is useful to examine in detail the history of introduction, subsequent spread and aspects of its ecology. This offers a useful case-history and exemplar for possible future range expansion in other European countries where the species is now becoming better-established.