GREATER MALAY CHEVROTAIN
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| Tragulus napu |
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Range:
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Southeast Asia |
The Greater Malay chevrotain is also referred to as the Greater Malay mouse deer. Its pelage is orangey-brown in color, with the hindquarters being lightly grizzled with black. The underside of the chin is white, and there are a series of white markings on the neck. The head is triangular in shape, and the large black nose is naked. The eyes are very large, and the ears are medium sized, lightly covered with black hair. The body is rounded, and the rear quarters are higher than the front, much like that of the South American agoutis. The legs are extremely thin and delicate, being about the diameter of a pencil. Instead of horns or antlers, the male has a set of elongated upper canines or tusks which protrude from the sides of the mouth like fangs.
Greater Malay chevrotains are nocturnal, and hence rarely seen. Using tiny, tunnel-like trails through thick brush when travelling, they rest and move at specific intervals several times a day. Extremely territorial by nature, both sexes of larger Malay mouse deer regularly mark their territories with urine, feces, and secretions from an intermandibular gland under the chin. They tame readily, but are very delicate creatures. When agitated, larger Malay mouse deer drum on the ground with their hoofs at 4 times per second.
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| Habitat: |
Rainforests and mangrove forests. |
| Diet: |
Buds, leaves, fruit, and probably small amounts of animal food. |
| Status: |
One subspecies, the Balabac chevrotain is endangered (IUCN). |
| Approximate Dimensions of Adult: |
Head & Body Length: 20-24 inches
Height at Shoulders: 12-14 inches
Weight: 9-13 lbs. |
| Lifespan: |
n/a |
| Reproduction & Offspring: |
Gestation: 5 months. |
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