Tragulus kanchil (Raffles, 1821)

Common Name and Taxonomic Classification

Tragulus kanchil, commonly known as the lesser mouse-deer, is one of the smallest known hoofed mammals.

Size and Taxonomic Relationship

Mature individuals can be as small as 45 cm (18 inches) in length and 2 kg (4.4 lb) in weight, and it is related to the even smaller Java mouse-deer.

Predation Threats

This species faces threats from predation by feral dogs.

Activity Pattern

Further research has corrected an earlier belief that these creatures are nocturnal, confirming they are actually active during the day.

Reproduction

While many births take place in May, November, or December, female lesser mouse-deer are able to reproduce year-round, as noted by Kusuda et al.

Geographic Distribution

The lesser mouse-deer is widely distributed across Southeast Asia, specifically found in Indochina, the Kra Isthmus of Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, southern Yunnan in China, Kalimantan, Sumatra and many other small islands in Indonesia, Laos, Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and many other small islands in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.