The chevrotain is neither a deer nor a mouse, but a mammal. Chevrotains, or mouse-deer, make up the Tragulidae family. They are found in forests in South and Southeast Asia. Chevrotains are shy, solitary, evening- and night-active vegetarians.
The scientific name for the chevrotain is Tragulidae. Tragulidae is a family of small ungulates in tropical areas. The family consists of four genera and eight species.
Chevrotains are classified into the genera Hyemoschus and Tragulus. This tiny animal comes in many variations.
The chevrotain is an endangered species that lives mainly in Southeast Asia. Because of its small size, it is also called “Forest Fairy” or “Hand-riding Deer”.
The greater Malayan chevrotain is known for the fang-like teeth found in both sexes, more prominent in males. Males use these teeth to compete for access to females.
Chevrotains are one of the smallest living hoofed mammals. These nocturnal ungulates are typically found in south and southeast Asia.
The Asian chevrotain species weigh between 0.7 and 8.0 kg. The African chevrotain is considerably larger at 7–16 kg.
What are mouse deer related to?
Mouse deer are related to the Tragulidae family of small ungulates. They get their name from their resemblance to mice and deer despite not being closely related. At less than 22 inches long, they are one of the smallest ungulates. Sometimes kept as pets in native Southeast Asia. When faced with danger, mouse deer rely on their agility and habitat for protection. They can freeze on the spot. The males display aggression when threatened.
Mouse Deer called out to Crocodile that the King wanted to know the number of crocodiles in the river. He told Crocodile to line up so he could count them. Sang Kancil was an intelligent mouse-deer known for cunning. He outwitted Sang Buaya, the big bad crocodile, several times.
Hunting and habitat loss are significant threats. Mouse deer need forests with dense understory to thrive. As forests are cleared, they lose habitat. In captivity mouse deer live up to 16 years. The Vietnam mouse deer was first described in 1910. At less than 10 pounds, it is the size of a rabbit. Scientists believe they use fangs to compete as they lack horns or antlers. The males’ fangs are very long.
They are nocturnal but recent observation indicates they are mainly active during the day. Mouse deer stamp small feet to signal each other. They freeze when surprised then run in a zig-zag pattern. Though mostly herbivorous, the water chevrotain occasionally eats insects, crabs or scavenges. Like other ruminants they lack upper incisors and give birth to a single fawn.
Imagine a full grown deer you can hold in your hands. That is the tiny mouse deer of Southeast Asia. No bigger than one foot high but with the shape of an ordinary deer. Truly a miniature version of its larger relatives.
What do chevrotain eat?
There are nine species of chevrotain in South and Southeast Asia, and one species in Central Africa. This species is primarily herbivorous and feeds on leaves, fruits and buds of trees and shrubs. It has occasionally been observed eating insects, crustaceans and even small mammals. Like many herbivores, the water chevrotain has various adaptations to facilitate efficient digestion of its low-nutrient diet.
They are solitary or live in pairs. The young are weaned at three months of age, and reach sexual maturity between 5 and 10 months, depending on species. Parental care is relatively limited. Mouse-deer are herbivores and eat leaves, fruits, and insects. Tigers, leopards, snakes, and birds of prey are their predators.
Less than 22 inches (55 centimeters) long as adults, Mouse Deer are one of the smallest hoofed animal species. They are not really deer at all, but belong to their own unique family of hoofed mammals. This species is primarily herbivorous, feeding on the leaves, fruits, and buds of trees and shrubs. It has occasionally been observed eating insects, crustaceans and even small mammals. Like many herbivores, the water chevrotain has various adaptations to facilitate effective digestion of its low-nutrient diet.
Chevrotains eat leaves, fruits, buds of trees, and shrubs. Chevrotains might eat insects and crustaceans. Their small size makes them a target for predators, and a few species have developed impressive aquatic skills to stay out of harm’s way.
So, is the proper name for these little creatures chevrotain or mouse deer? Apparently it depends on the species.
Can you have a mouse deer as a pet?
Deer are wild animals not meant to be kept in captivity. It is illegal in most states to keep a deer as a pet. Deer need to roam free, not confined to small spaces. If looking for a pet, adopt a dog or cat.
Mouse deer are the smallest hoofed mammals. They live about 12 years. Female mouse deer can have up to 11 litters a year of 1 to 9 young. Gestation lasts 24 days. Litter size peaks at fifth or sixth litter then declines.
They have fangs for self-defense. Wild mice can be tamed if captured at the right age. Gloves should be used when handling them. They can be kept with other mice without difficulty.
A dozen traps may be needed to control a large deer mouse population. Deer mice have white bellies, legs and feet. Their tails are dark on top, light below. They carry diseases so aren’t good pets. It’s illegal in California to keep deer as pets.