Indian Mouse Deer

Indian Mouse Deer Latest News

A rare Indian mouse deer was recently photographed at Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Vasai.

About Indian Mouse Deer

• The Indian Mouse Deer, or Indian Spotted Chevrotain, is a species of even-toed ungulate belonging to the family Tragulidae. 
• Scientific Name: Moschiola indica
• It is the smallest deer species found in India and is known for its elusive and shy nature.

‹ ›

Indian Mouse Deer Distribution

• It is endemic to the Indian Subcontinent.
• It is mainly found in peninsular India, with some old records from Nepal.
• Sri Lanka has a separate species called the spotted chevrotain (Moschiola meminna).
• Within India, it is commonly encountered in a number of forest areas along the Western Ghats, in the Eastern Ghats up to Orissa, and in the forests of central India.

Indian Mouse Deer Features

• It is small, 25-30 cm at shoulder height, and weighs from two to four kg.
• The fur color is dark brown with white underparts.
• There are four or five light rows of white spots on the back. 
• Males of this species have tusk-like upper canines.
• A unique feature of this group is that instead of a four-chambered stomach like in other ruminants, they have a three-chambered stomach.
• Diet: It forages on the forest floor for fruits, roots, leaves, and herbs. It has occasionally been observed eating insects, crustaceans, and even small mammals.
• Life Span: 8 to 12 years.

Indian Mouse Deer Conservation Status

It is classified as ‘Least Concern’ under the IUCN Red List. 

Source: MD