JAVA MOUSE-DEER
Tragulus javanicus
DESCRIPTION
Java Mouse-Deer (Tragulus javanicus) is a small, shy ungulate native to the dense forests of Java, Indonesia. It has a compact body, long legs, and a distinctive elongated snout, which gives it a unique appearance among deer species. This species is primarily nocturnal and is known for its elusive behavior, often hiding in thick underbrush to avoid predators.
FUN FACTS
- Java Mouse-Deer is the smallest species of deer in the world, making it a unique representative of the deer family
- Despite their small size, they are incredibly agile and can navigate through dense forest undergrowth with ease.| These animals have a unique way of communicating through a series of soft whistles and grunts, which helps them maintain contact with each other in the dense forest environment
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild
Average Weight5-10 kg
Average Length70-90 cm
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuresolitary, occasionally pairs during breeding
Activity PatternNocturnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, peaks during wet season
- Habitat
- Java Mouse-Deer inhabits tropical rainforests and dense undergrowth areas. It prefers regions with abundant vegetation that provide cover and food sources.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest
- Native Range
- Java, Indonesia
- Continent
- Asia
- Countries
- Indonesia
- Diet
- Java Mouse-Deer primarily feeds on leaves, fruits, and tender shoots. Its diet consists mainly of plant material found in its forest habitat.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- leaves, fruits, tender shoots
- Social Structure
- solitary, occasionally pairs during breeding
- Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 0
VU
LC
5-10 kg
Weight
70-90 cm
Length
- Coloration
- brownish-gray with white spots and markings
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males have small antlers, females do not
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild
- Gestation Period
- 7 months
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 1-2 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, peaks during wet season
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Java Mouse-Deer is currently declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to deforestation and hunting for bushmeat. These pressures have led to a significant decline in their population.
- Predators
- large birds of prey, wild cats, and possibly domestic dogs
- Defense Mechanisms
- Java Mouse-Deer relies on its camouflage and ability to remain still to avoid detection by predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon