Indian Mouse Deer:
A rare Indian mouse deer was recently photographed at Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Vasai.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Least Concern
