tragulids

Tragulids, also known as mouse deer or chevrotains, are a small and ancient lineage of even-toed ungulates that belong to the family Tragulidae. They are considered among the most primitive living ruminants, with a body plan and dentition that retain features closer to early hoofed mammals than to more derived deer or antelope.

The living tragulids comprise three genera: Tragulus (Asian mouse deer), Moschiola (spotted chevrotains), and Hyemoschus (the water chevrotain). They inhabit tropical forests, mangroves, and wetlands in Africa and Asia, with distinct geographic ranges for each genus. Their small size, secretive behavior, and preference for dense cover enable them to evade predators in dense habitats.

Morphologically, tragulids are compact and small, possessing short legs and a slender head. They lack true horns or antlers. Males have elongated canine teeth that can resemble tusks and are used in display and combat. Their fur color and pattern vary by genus and species, often providing camouflage in shaded environments.

Ecologically, tragulids are primarily herbivorous browsers, feeding on a mix of leaves, fruits, and shoots. They tend to be solitary or observed in small groups, and they rely on stealth and rapid, erratic movements to avoid predators. Reproduction is relatively limited, with single offspring commonly produced after a comparatively short gestation.

Conservation concerns are significant for many tragulid species, driven by habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting. As one of the most primitive ruminant lineages, tragulids are of particular interest to researchers studying the evolution of deer and other hoofed mammals.