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
Morphologically, tragulids are compact and small, possessing short legs and a slender head. They lack true horns
Ecologically, tragulids are primarily herbivorous browsers, feeding on a mix of leaves, fruits, and shoots. They
Conservation concerns are significant for many tragulid species, driven by habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting. As