Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Tragulidae
- Genus
- Tragulus
Habitat
The Java mouse-deer inhabits dense tropical rainforests, secondary forests, and shrublands in Southeast Asia, particularly on the islands of Java, Sumatra, and Borneo. It prefers areas with thick undergrowth near water sources for cover and foraging. This species avoids open areas, making it common in fragmented habitats like plantations adjacent to forests.
Diet
The Java mouse-deer primarily feeds on leaves, fruits, buds, and shoots from various plants, with a preference for fallen fruits and tender vegetation. It may also consume fungi and occasionally insects, foraging mainly at night to avoid predators. Feeding occurs solitarily, often in the underbrush where food is abundant.
Behavior
The Java mouse-deer is primarily nocturnal, spending days hidden in dense vegetation and becoming active at dusk to forage. It is solitary except during mating, with individuals maintaining small territories marked by scent glands. This species is shy and quick to flee from threats, relying on its agility and camouflage for survival.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status of the Java mouse-deer is Near Threatened, with populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture. Major threats include hunting for meat and fragmentation of forest habitats.