mammal droppings

John Mackie · #1 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009, 02:42 PM

I've just found some droppings in my garden. A spread over 60cm X 80cm of small shiny black spherical pieces of about 1cm diameter. Most are individual pieces, but also some clumps 4 or 5 pieces. They are in an area next to overgrown brush/bramble on the edge of lawn. Can anyone identify please?

The Woodman · #2 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009, 02:52 PM

I don't know whereabouts you are in the country, John, but these sound like Muntjac or possiblt Roe droppings, especially near the brambles and brush where they like to hideaway. Can you post an image of them?

John Mackie · #3 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009, 03:12 PM

I tried to post a picture. It seemed to upload, but I can't find it and when I click my photos, there are none!
I live in Southampton next to a small valley of trees and scrub, but I have a 6feet high fence.

The Woodman · #4 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 10:29 AM

Have looked at your images in your PM John and I think they are Muntjac droppings. I can't vouch for the scaling abilities of the species but unless a neighbour has thrown them over the fence, you've definately had a visitor.

Chop a couple of apples up and throw them on the ground near the droppings last thing at night. Have a peek out of the window at first light, you may catch sight of this naturalised former escapee species.

John Mackie · #5 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 06:16 PM

Thanks for your help Woodman. I left the apples, Got up with camera at 4.30 am. with no luck! Then I accidentally came across the Muntjac after he had eaten the apples at 11am! .....See photos.

The Woodman · #6 (**permalink**) 08-07-2009, 07:43 AM

Well done John, some really good images, I did think for a minute that I was looking at a Roe kid but the head on pic taken of the deer under the weeping willow is so distinctive of Muntjac.

Completely coincidence but there was a sighjting of a Muntjac in Grange over Sands yesterday in broad daylight. It was seen walking up a busy road and then grazing on the playing field. Not exactly the secretive behaviour normally associated with them!

Do you know if the species has established itself in your area? Your observation will welcomed by the county mammal recorder, probably linked to the county wildlife trust.

Enjoy the experience if you can bear your plants being nibbled.