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American muntjac (SciiFii)

The American muntjac (Muntiacus americanum) is a species of small deer of the genus Muntiacus that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, forests, swamps, open woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The American muntjac grows to 0.5 meters (1 feet 8 inches) high at the shoulder and 0.95 meters (3 feet 1 inches) in length, plus a short tail up to 4 inches (10 cm) long. It weighs between 10 and 18 kilograms (22 and 40 lb) when fully grown. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white, with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin, and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches (10 cm) or less, and long upper canines (tusks), usually about 2 inches (5.1 cm) long. Females have bony lumps on their foreheads and localized black spots. The American muntjac is a herbivore that mainly feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses, and nuts, and has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. It is also called the barking deer due to its distinctive barking sound, though this name is also used for other species of muntjacs. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. It is a solitary and crepuscular animal. Both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature. When fighting, males first use their antlers to push enemies off balance so they can wound them with their 2 inch (5.1 cm) upper canine teeth. Female muntjacs (known as "does") become sexually mature within the first year of life. Mating occurs throughout the year. Their gestation period lasts from 209 to 220 days. Females limit the number of mating bouts, though time between successive bouts is determined by males (known as "bucks"). The conservation status of the American muntjac is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American muntjac's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.