What is mouse deer?

Mouse deer, also known as chevrotains, are small ungulates that belong to the family Tragulidae. They are found in the tropical forests of Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.

• Size and Appearance: Mouse deer are among the smallest ungulates in the world. They typically weigh between 4 and 18 pounds and stand about 12 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. They have arched backs and rounded rumps. Their coloration varies depending on the species, but they are usually reddish-brown to grayish-brown with white markings on their throat and chest. They lack antlers or horns. The males possess elongated canine teeth that protrude from their mouths and are used for defense and competition.

• Habitat and Distribution: As mentioned, they are mainly located in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, India and Africa. You can read about Tropical%20Forests here.

• Diet: Mouse deer are primarily herbivores. Their diet consists of leaves, fruits, shoots, and other vegetation found on the forest floor.

• Behavior and Social Structure: Mouse deer are typically solitary or live in pairs. They are generally shy and nocturnal animals, spending most of the day hidden in dense vegetation. They are skilled swimmers and will often take to the water to escape predators.

• Reproduction: Female mouse deer typically give birth to a single offspring after a gestation period of about 5-6 months. The young are precocial, meaning they are relatively well-developed at birth and can stand and walk shortly after.

• Conservation Status: The conservation status of mouse deer varies depending on the species. Some species, like the Greater%20Mouse-deer, are relatively common and widespread, while others, like the Silver-backed%20Chevrotain, are considered endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.