Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Tragulidae
- Genus
- Tragulus
Habitat
Greater mouse-deer primarily inhabit lowland tropical rainforests, swamps, and mangroves in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. They prefer areas with dense undergrowth and proximity to water sources, such as rivers and streams, for cover and foraging. This terrain provides protection from predators and access to food.
Diet
Greater mouse-deer mainly eat leaves, shoots, fruits, and fungi, browsing on low vegetation in forested areas. They are primarily nocturnal feeders, foraging alone at night to avoid predators, and have a selective diet that helps them thrive in nutrient-poor environments.
Behavior
Greater mouse-deer are solitary and territorial animals that mark their ranges with scent glands to deter intruders. They are primarily nocturnal, active at night for foraging and avoiding predators, and exhibit quick, agile movements to escape threats. Despite their small size, they can be aggressive when defending territory, especially males during mating season.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status of the Greater mouse-deer is Least Concern, but populations are declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting pressure. Major threats include fragmentation of rainforest habitats and incidental capture in traps.