Chamber and committees

While there is no established population of muntjac in Scotland, NatureScot are cognisant of concerns around their potential impact should that change.

We recognise that the two main risks are that either existing populations in other parts of Britain may expand their range into Scotland, or that captive muntjac may escape into the wild and establish populations.

Any suspected sightings of muntjac should be reported to NatureScot directly or through the invasive non-native reporting tool on Scotland’s Environment Website . NatureScot follow up all reported sightings. Between three and ten reports a year are investigated, by interviewing witnesses and following up credible sightings with trail cameras and night vision surveys. NatureScot considers nearly all of these have been unlikely to be muntjac based on witness statements.

It is already an offence to keep muntjac in captivity without a licence, and land managers must inform NatureScot without delay if they suspect the presence of muntjac on their land. It is also an offence to transport, use or exchange, breed or permit a muntjac to reproduce.

Since 2021, the Non-Native Species Inspectorate has been carrying out inspections of zoos and private animal collections on behalf of the Scottish Government. The Inspectorate gathers evidence of non-compliance and passes cases on to Police Scotland to investigate, or NatureScot to resolve through licensing. NatureScot has issued two licences to keep muntjac at visitor attractions in the last ten years.