The mouse deer is a smallforaging hoofed mammal that is predominantly nocturnal. It is the only member of the family Tragulidae which is itself the sole surviving family in the suborder bovidae. Although the mouse deer is most often seen alone it is a gregarious creature and often forms small herds. These herds may consist of as many as 15 individuals but more typically they are much smaller. The mouse deer is an agile creature and can jump as high as 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) vertically.
The mouse deer is found throughout much of Southeast Asia including Indonesia Malaysia Myanmar Thailand and Vietnam. It has also been introduced to the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka. In most of its range the mouse deer is the only species of its genus. However in Thailand it shares its habitat with the closely related chevrotain. The mouse deer is a timid creature and is solitary or found in pairs. It is active mainly at night although it will occasionally feed during the day.
The mouse deer is a ruminant and feeds on a variety of vegetation including grasses leaves and fruit. It is a proficient swimmer and can even cross rivers. The mouse deer is an important prey species for a variety of predators including dogs cats snakes and birds of prey.
The mouse deer is a relatively inconspicuous creature and is seldom seen by humans. However it is hunted for its meat and is also a source of traditional medicine. The mouse deer is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouse_deer
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41285/10586507
https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tragulus_kanchil/
What is the name of the smallest hoofed mammal in the world?
The mouse deer.
Where do mouse deer live?
In the forests of Southeast Asia.
What do mouse deer eat?
Mouse deer are herbivores and primarily eat leaves grass and fruit.
How big are mouse deer?
Mouse deer are usually about the size of a large house cat but can range anywhere from 12-22 inches in length and 4-11 pounds in weight.
What is the top speed of a mouse deer?
Mouse deer can run up to 30 miles per hour.
How long do mouse deer live?
Mouse deer typically live for 8-10 years in the wild but can live up to 20 years in captivity.
What is the primary predator of mouse deer?
Snakes are the primary predators of mouse deer but they are also hunted by tigers leopards and dogs.
What is the reproductive cycle of mouse deer?
Mouse deer have a polyestrous reproductive cycle meaning they can reproduce multiple times throughout the year.
Gestation takes anywhere from 90-120 days and litters usually consist of 1-3 offspring.
At what age do mouse deer reach sexual maturity?
Male mouse deer reach sexual maturity at around 1 year old while females reach sexual maturity at around 9 months old.
Do mouse deer have any natural predators?
No mouse deer do not have any natural predators.
What family do mouse deer belong to?
Mouse deer belong to the family Cervidae which includes deer elk and moose.
How many species of mouse deer are there?
There are 8 species of mouse deer: the chevrotain the water chevrotain the silver-backed chevrotain the yellow-backed chevrotain the Indian muntjac the red muntjac the barking deer and the black muntjac.
What is the primary purpose of a mouse deer’s tail?
The primary purpose of a mouse deer’s tail is to help them balance while running.
What is the primary difference between a mouse deer and a deer?
The primary difference between a mouse deer and a deer is size with mouse deer being much smaller.
What is the scientific name for mouse deer?
The scientific name for mouse deer is Tragulidae.
