Chevrotains

Chevrotains, also known as mouse deer, are small, deer-like ungulates in the family Tragulidae, order Artiodactyla. They are among the most primitive living ruminants and lack the large antlers typical of true deer. The living tragulids are divided into two genera: Tragulus, the Asian mouse deers, and Hyemoschus, the water chevrotain of Africa.

Distribution and habitat: Chevrotains inhabit tropical forests and wetlands in Africa and Asia. Asian species are found across Southeast Asia and parts of the Indonesian archipelago, while Hyemoschus aquaticus occurs in forests near rivers and swamps in West and Central Africa.

Physical characteristics: Chevrotains are small, weighing about 1–3 kg and measuring roughly 30–50 cm in body length, with a short tail and slender legs. Their fur is brown or gray. Males typically have small tusk-like canine teeth that can be used in display or defense, while females usually lack tusks.

Behavior and ecology: They are shy and predominantly solitary or found in pairs. Chevrotains are mostly crepuscular or nocturnal and rely on dense cover to avoid predators such as large cats and canids. Their diet is herbivorous, consisting of leaves, shoots, fruits, and other vegetation. They are territorial and often mark their range with scent.

Reproduction and life history: Reproduction is relatively slow for a small ungulate; females give birth to one calf after a gestation of several months, commonly around four to five months. Calves are well camouflaged at birth and remain with the mother for a period after birth.

Conservation: Habitat loss and hunting threaten several species of chevrotains. They occur in protected areas in some regions, but populations are often fragmented and facing declines in parts of their range.