Reeves' muntjac Muntiacus reveesi (Ogilby, 1839) in Austria.

Here, we provide an overview on Reeves' muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) in Austria, a deer species originating from southeastern China and introduced to Europe at the end of the 19th century. Muntiacus reevesi is currently established in several countries of the European mainland and the British Isles, and was included in the list of invasive alien species of Union concern, due to its potential detrimental impacts, such as feeding damage, competition, and car accidents. In Austria three confirmed observations of Reeves' muntjac in the wild were reported, in the federal states Salzburg, Upper Austria and Styria. All observations were made between 2016 and 2022 and were of single individuals that had likely escaped from captivity. Most recently, in April 2022 in Upper Austria a male individual has been observed for several days and was captured thereafter. Although to date there is no evidence of persistent populations in the wild, we argue that future establishment of the species in Austria is possible due to several factors. Those include the ongoing spread of Reeves' muntjac in several countries of the European mainland, its elusive lifestyle and low detectability in initial invasion stages, as well as its ability to thrive from very small founding populations. In the light of the precautionary principle, we advocate for careful monitoring and rapid reaction while still feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]