Context: The Silver-backed Chevrotain, believed extinct for over three decades, has been rediscovered in the forests of southern Vietnam, offering renewed hope for species conservation.

What Is the Mouse Deer?

• Also known as chevrotains, mouse deer are the smallest hoofed mammals in the world.
• Despite their name, they are neither true mice nor deer, but belong to an ancient ruminant group in the family Tragulidae.

Scientific Classification

• Family: Tragulidae
• Notable Species:
  • Tragulus kanchil – Lesser Mouse Deer
  • Tragulus napu – Greater Mouse Deer
  • Tragulus versicolor – Silver-backed Chevrotain (rediscovered species)

Habitat & Distribution

• Native Range:
  • Tropical and subtropical forests of South and Southeast Asia – including India, Vietnam, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
• African Cousin:
  • Hyemoschus aquaticus found in West and Central African rainforests.
• Habitat Preference:
  • Dense undergrowth, lowland forests, often nocturnal and secretive.

Key Biological Traits

• Primitive Ruminants:
  • Lack advanced thermoregulation seen in modern hoofed mammals.
• Size:
  • Typically under 3–5 kg, with a rabbit-sized body and slender limbs.
• Defence Mechanism:
  • Can remain submerged underwater for over 5 minutes to evade predators.
• Unique Behaviour:
  • Produce rhythmic "drumming" sounds using hooves to signal alarm or territory.

Feeding & Behaviour

• Diet:
  • Primarily herbivorous – feeds on leaves, fruits, shoots, and roots.
  • The African chevrotain occasionally consumes insects, crabs, and even meat – unusual among ruminants.
• Territorial Nature:
  • Solitary or found in male-female pairs.
  • Home ranges between 13–24 hectares, marked using chin and preputial glands.

Reproduction

• Litter Size: One fawn per birth.
• Weaning: At around 3 months.
• Sexual Maturity: Between 5–10 months.
• Reproductive cycle allows relatively quick population recovery under stable conditions.

Conservation Significance

• The rediscovery of the Silver-backed Chevrotain (T. versicolor) after 30+ years has made global headlines, spotlighting the importance of forest conservation in Southeast Asia.
• Represents a success story in detecting "lost species" and offers new momentum for biodiversity mapping and protection.

Conclusion

The mouse deer, especially the rediscovered Silver-backed Chevrotain, reflects the fragile but resilient nature of lesser-known forest species. Their survival depends on safeguarding tropical forest ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and local community engagement in conservation efforts.