Mouse Deer

The Indian spotted chevrotain, more commonly referred to as the mouse deer, inhabits the undisturbed jungles of the lowland and lower hills. It is remarkable for its size, the male being only 25 cms tall at the shoulder, while the female is slightly larger. The mouse deer has a rounded, mouse-like body atop very thin legs. Neither sex bears antlers. It is an exceedingly shy and solitary animal, and has the ability to scramble up creeper-covered trees to evade enemies. Mainly nocturnal, the mouse deer feeds on grasses, leaves and berries.