Name:Moschiola indica
Alias:Moschiola indica,Indian Chevrotain、Indian Mouse Deer、Indian Mousedeer、Indian Spotted Chevrotain
Outline:Ungulata
Family:Artiodactylus Tragopanidae Tragopanidae
length:48-60cm
Weight:3-5.45kg
Life:8-12years
IUCN:LC
Indian Chevrotain (scientific name: Moschiola indica) is also known as Indian Chevrotain, Indian Mouse Deer, Indian Mousedeer, Indian Spotted Chevrotain. It has no subspecies and is the largest member of the genus Moschiola.
The Indian spotted chevrotain is a shy and secretive species. Like other forest ruminants, adults are usually solitary except when courting, sometimes appearing in pairs. The species is mainly crepuscular and nocturnal. It often crosses narrow paths through dense bushes. During the day, they seek shelter in tree holes, bushes, and rock crevices. They are also reported to be able to climb up leaning tree trunks and occasionally, may rest in the leaf litter on the forest floor. Their mottled fur serves as an effective camouflage as long as they remain motionless. When they sense danger, they usually stand still, only to suddenly dash into the forest thickets or a carefully chosen hiding spot when danger approaches them. They forage for herbs and shrubs and fallen fruit from the forest floor. They feed on fallen fruit and also eat leaves and shoots.
The natural enemies of the Indian spotted chevrotain are tigers, leopards and small cats, wild dogs, martens, eagles, owls, pythons and crocodiles.
The Indian spotted chevrotain breeds throughout the year, but birth rates are higher from September to February (the period after the monsoon season). Mating occurs when the female lies down. Females mate only once per estrus cycle. The gestation period is 154 days. The litter size is one, with twins occasionally. The average weight of the young at birth is 470 grams. Like other chevrotains of the same genus, females return to estrus within 4-6 hours after giving birth. Females reach sexual maturity at 5-5.5 months.
The estimated density of the Indian chevrotain in the Periyar Tiger Reserve is 21.4 individuals per square kilometer.
Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2016 ver3.1 - Least Concern (LC).
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