Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Tragulidae
- Genus
- Moschiola
Habitat
Indian spotted chevrotains primarily inhabit dense tropical and subtropical forests, including evergreen and moist deciduous woodlands in southern India and Sri Lanka. They prefer areas with thick undergrowth for cover and proximity to water sources. These environments provide ample vegetation for foraging and hiding from predators.
Diet
They are herbivores that mainly feed on fallen fruits, leaves, shoots, and buds from the forest floor. Feeding occurs primarily at night, with individuals browsing quietly to avoid detection. They occasionally consume fungi and insects for additional nutrients.
Behavior
Indian spotted chevrotains are solitary animals that are mostly nocturnal, becoming active at dusk to forage and explore their territory. They are territorial, marking areas with scent glands and vocalizing with high-pitched calls to warn off intruders. Despite their small size, they can move quickly through dense vegetation and often freeze when threatened to avoid detection.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Least Concern, but populations may be declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and fragmentation. Major threats include hunting for meat and road accidents in human-modified landscapes.