Mouse Deer

Mouse Deer Latest News

Recently, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) announced that its conservation and breeding efforts have resulted in the birth of a red-necked wallaby and a mouse deer within the zoo premises.

About Mouse Deer

• It is also known as the Indian Chevrotain and is the smallest deer species in the deer family and is known for its elusive and shy nature.

Distribution of Mouse Deer

• 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.

Features Mouse Deer

• The fur color of the Indian spotted chevrotain 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.
• Ecological Significance: The mouse deer plays a major role in the forest ecosystem as a seed disperser and is important prey for many small and large carnivores. 

Conservation Status Mouse Deer

• IUCN: Least Concern
• Wildlife Protection Act 1972 : Schedule I.

Source: TH

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