Disturbance will cause Muntjac to move deeper into thick cover and to become more nocturnal in their activity. However, like Roe, if left undisturbed Muntjac become accustomed to regular sounds and will confidently feed beside busy roads at all times of the day or night. Having discussed the preferred habitat, it is important to note that the Muntjac s versatility has enabled it to colonise areas completely diverse from those conditions mentioned above. Muntjac are now gaining a strong foothold in areas like Salisbury Plain, which is predominantly open grass and scrubland. Thereafter, being ruminants, they retreat to cover and chew the cud.
Observation shows that feeding normally occurs every three to four hours.
Being practiced at adapting to most environments, Muntjac have developed undiscerning feeding habits. They will also eat some plants poisonous to domestic animals, including Yew leaves and berries and Dogs Mercury. Bluebells, primroses, honeysuckle and orchids are also particular favourites and they will happily browse on the flower heads, removing the ability of the plant to set seed the following year. It is notable that no management of the Muntjac was carried out on this site to prevent their calamitous impact upon the environment. It is estimated that the establishment of such woods takes approximately 400 years, therefore the impact of this small deer on protected flora is both evident and long term.