Greater Malay Mouse Deer
Tragulus napu
Description
The greater Malay mouse deer, or chevrotain, has the face of an agouti, the legs of a tiny deer, and weighs less than a fat house cat. Its head and body length can be up to 30 inches, it stands about 13 inches high, and it weighs up to 17.5 pounds. This orange-brown animal has pencil-thin legs, large eyes, and tusks.
Home
Range
Native to the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, and nearby islands
Habitat
Near water in the undergrowth of dense forests
Diet
Like most ungulates, mouse deer are herbivores. They eat fruit, leaves, and grasses.
Reproduction
One young. Offspring can stand about 30 minutes after being born. Mothers breed again soon after giving birth.
Fun Facts
If they sense danger, mouse deer stomp their hind feet on the ground.
Local people eat these nocturnal animals and keep them as pets.
