Why in news?
The silver‑backed chevrotain, a species of mouse deer thought to be extinct for more than three decades, was sighted again in southern Vietnam in mid‑2025. This rediscovery has raised hopes for the conservation of a group of small, elusive ungulates that were believed lost to habitat loss and hunting.
What is a mouse deer?
Mouse deer—also called chevrotains—are the world’s smallest hoofed mammals, belonging to the family Tragulidae. Despite their name they are neither true deer nor rodents; instead they represent an ancient lineage of ruminants. Three species occur in South and Southeast Asia: the lesser mouse deer (Tragulus kanchil), greater mouse deer (Tragulus napu) and the silver‑backed chevrotain (Tragulus versicolor) that has just been rediscovered. An African relative (Hyemoschus aquaticus) lives in west and central Africa.
Habitat and physical traits
- Distribution: Mouse deer inhabit dense undergrowth of tropical and subtropical forests in India, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka and other parts of Southeast Asia. They are nocturnal and extremely shy.
- Size and appearance: Adults stand about 30–45 cm high and weigh between 1 kg and 4 kg. They have reddish‑brown or silver‑grey fur with a lighter underside; males lack antlers but possess elongated canine teeth used for defence.
- Adaptations: They can remain submerged in water for several minutes to evade predators and produce rhythmic “drumming” sounds with their hooves to signal distress or establish territory.
- Diet and behaviour: Mouse deer are primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves and tender shoots. They lead solitary or pair‑living lives within small territories and give birth to a single offspring at a time.
Why the rediscovery matters
The sighting of the silver‑backed chevrotain reminds conservationists that many little‑known species may still survive in fragmented habitats. Protecting these animals requires conserving forest undergrowth, curbing hunting and conducting further surveys to understand their populations. The discovery has generated optimism for the broader conservation of lesser‑studied mammals in Southeast Asia.