#tragulus javanicus

[mockva]

[libutron]

Lesser Mouse Deer - Tragulus javanicus | ©seeks2dream 

Common names: Javan Chevrotain, Kanchil, Javan Mousedeer, Java Mousedeer, Lesser Mouse Deer, Lesser Malay Mouse Deer, Pilandok, Ciervo Ratón de Java.

Tragulus javanicus (Artiodactyla - Tragulidae) is a small antlerless ungulate, considered the smallest artiodactyl, 18-22 inches long with a tail length of 2 inches.

Adult males have elongated, tusk-like upper canines. These canines protrude from the side of the mouth. Females lack these canines and are also smaller than the males. Mouse deer have no upper incisors, they have triangular head, and a round body with elevated rear quarters. The thin legs are about the diameter of a pencil [1].

Tragulus javanicus is endemic to the island of Java, Indonesia [2]

[scientificillustration]

Java Mouse-deer by Raoul Deleo

Illustration by Raoul Deleo for Artis, the Royal Amsterdam Zoo in the Netherlands. This is the Java mouse-deer, number nine out of a series of ten "Forgotten Animals", a campaign to attract visitors to the zoo.  These animals are easily forgotten because they are either small or maybe a bit ugly or because they are located near a well known or attractive animal.