Greater Malayan Chevrotain

Conservation Status:
Most subspecies are stable

Description:
Chevrotains look like miniature deer, even though they are not really deer.  They weigh from 9 to 13 pounds, and can grow up to 24 inches in length.  Their fur is mostly brown, with white underparts.  They have a pointed snout and large eyes, and males have curved tusks.  They have four digits on each foot.

Range:
Southeast Asia

Habitat:
Edges of rainforests, where there is dense undergrowth

Diet:
In the wild, they eat mostly grass, leaves, and fallen fruit.  They also eat some insects, fish, crayfish, small mammals, and carrion.  In the zoo, they eat ADF 16 pellets, dog food, and fresh browse.

Life Cycle:
Chevrotains can breed throughout the year in some parts of their range.  Gestation lasts for 140-177 days.  They usually give birth to a single offspring, occasionally two.  At birth, the young weigh about 13 ounces and are already fully developed and active.  They can stand after 30 minutes.  The young will be mature at 5 months.  Chevrotains can live up to 16 years in captivity.

Did You Know?

·        Chevrotains are sometimes called “mouse deer”, but they are not really deer.  They have a 3-chambered stomach, instead of the 4-chambered stomach that deer have.  Some of their leg bones are fused together for strength, and that also distinguishes them from true deer.

·        Chevrotains are nocturnal and very shy.  They travel along tiny tunnel-like trails through the vegetation.  If they are approached, they hide in the undergrowth or run away.  They are rarely seen in the wild.

·        They have many predators, including snakes, birds of prey, crocodiles, wild cats, and people.

·        There are 28 different kinds of chevrotains.  Many subspecies live on just one island.  One subspecies is probably endangered because of habitat loss and hunting pressure, and a few others are thought to be threatened.  The rest of the subspecies are common within their range.

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