Mouse Deer

Source:  TOI

Context: The elusive Silver-backed Chevrotain (mouse deer), thought extinct for over 30 years, has been rediscovered in the forests of southern Vietnam, sparking global conservation optimism.

About Mouse Deer:

• What is the Mouse Deer?
  • The mouse deer, also called chevrotain, is the world’s smallest hoofed mammal, belonging to the family Tragulidae. Though it resembles both a mouse and a deer, it is unrelated to either and represents a primitive ruminant lineage.
• Scientific Name & Taxonomy:

• • Scientific Names:
    • Tragulus kanchil (Lesser Mouse Deer)
    • Tragulus napu (Greater Mouse Deer)
    • Tragulus versicolor (Silver-backed Chevrotain – rediscovered species)

• Habitat and Distribution:

• • Found in tropical and subtropical forests of South and Southeast Asia (India, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka).
  • African cousin (Hyemoschus aquaticus) resides in West and Central African rainforests.
  • Often inhabit dense undergrowth, lowland forests, and remain nocturnal and elusive.

• Biological and Behavioural Traits:

• • Lack modern thermoregulation mechanisms found in advanced artiodactyls.
  • Known for their ability to submerge underwater for minutes to evade predators.

• Feeding Habits:

• • Primarily herbivorous: feed on fruits, leaves, and soft plant parts.
  • The African chevrotain occasionally consumes insects, crabs, and scavenged meat—an unusual trait for ruminants.

• Social and Reproductive Behaviour:
  • Prefer solitary or paired existence; territorial with small home ranges (13–24 hectares).
  • Males use chin and preputial glands for marking.

• Reproduction:
  • One offspring per birth.
  • Weaning at 3 months and maturity between 5–10 months.

• Unique Adaptations:

• • Drumming with hooves: Emits rhythmic beats to signal distress or warn off threats.
  • Underwater hiding: Known to stay submerged for over 5 minutes—key survival trait.