Java mouse-deer: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 16:55, 13 March 2014

Revision as of 21:43, 24 April 2014

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{{Taxobox

| name = Java Mousemouse-deer

| image = Tragulus javanicus jerusalem zoo.jpg

| image_caption = Java mouse-deer at the Jerusalem Zoo

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| status = DD

| status_system = iucn3.1

| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{IUCN2008IUCN2013.2|assessors=Duckworth, J. W.,; Hedges, S.,; Timmins, R.J. & Gono Semiadi|year=2008|id=41780|title=Tragulus javanicus|downloaded=26 March 20092014-04-24}} Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of data deficient.</ref>

| regnum = [[Animalia]]

| phylum = [[Chordata]]

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}}

The '''Java mouse-deer''' ('''''Tragulus javanicus'''''),<ref name=msw3>{{citeMSW3 webArtiodactyla |url=http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp? id=14200129 |title=Tragulus javanicus14200129 |author= |date=pages |work=Mammal Species of the World |publisher= |accessdate=2010-03-11649–650}}</ref> is a species of [[even-toed ungulate]] in the family [[Tragulidae]] family. At maturity it is about the size of a [[rabbit]], making it one of the smallest [[ungulate]]s. It is found in forests in [[Java]] and perhaps [[Bali]], although sightings here have not been verified.<ref name=iucn />

==Taxonomy==

The Java mouse-deer’s common scientific name is ''Tragulus javanicus'', although other classification names for it exist, including ''Tragulus javanica'', ''Cervus javanicus'', and the [[heterotypic synonym]] ''Tragulus fuscatus''.<ref name=meijaard>Meijaard, I. and Groves, C. P. (2004). ''A taxonomic revision of the Tragulus mouse-deer.'' Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 140: 63-102.</ref><ref name=ARKive4>Javan mouse-deer (Tragulus javanicus). (2013). ARKive - Discover the world's most endangered species. Retrieved from http://www.arkive.org/javan-mouse-deer/tragulus-javanicus</ref><ref>Facts about Lesser Mouse Deer (Tragulus javanicus) - Encyclopedia of Life. (n.d.). Encyclopedia of Life - Animals - Plants - Pictures & Information. Retrieved from http://eol.org/pages/328339/names/synonyms</ref><ref name=iucn11>Duckworth,iucn J. W., Hedges, S., Timmins, R., & Semiadi, G. (2008). Tragulus javanicus (Java Mousedeer, Javan Chevrotain, Javan Mousedeer, Kanchil, Lesser Mouse Deer). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved from http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/41780/0</ref> The Java mouse-deer is also known by many common names, including Javan chevrotain, Javan mousdeer, or Java Mousedeer.<ref name=eof5>Facts about Lesser Mouse Deer (Tragulus javanicus) - Encyclopedia of Life. (n.d.). Encyclopedia of Life - Animals - Plants - Pictures & Information. Retrieved from http://eol.org/pages/328339/</ref> The taxonomic status of the Java mouse-deer is questionable, but recent craniometric analyses have begun to shed light on the taxonomic discrepancies. Previously, the Java mouse-deer, ''Tragulus javanicus'', was commonly thought to represent the wider class of large [[chevrotain]]s, but it was found that these, unlike the Java mouse-deer, do not likely reside on [[Java]]. Three species groups of ''Tragulus'' have been identified based on craniometric skull analyses and coat coloration patterns. These three species groups are ''Tragulus javanicus'', ''[[Tragulus napu]]'', and ''[[Tragulus versicolor]]''. Based upon these craniometric analyses, ''Tragulus javanicus'' was then further separated based on the organisms’ known geographic locations: ''[[Tragulus williamsoni]]'' (found in northern Thailand and possibly southern China), ''[[Tragulus kanchil]]'' (found in Borneo, Sumatra, the Thai–Malay Peninsula, islands within the Greater Sunda region, and continental Southeast Asia), and ''Tragulus javanicus'' (found in Java).<ref name=meijaard6>Meijaard, E., & Groves, C. P. (2004). A Taxonomic Revision Of The Tragulus Mouse-deer (Artiodactyla). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 140(1), 63-102. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1096-3642.2004.00091.x/abstract</ref> Thus, because of its uniqueness to the island of Java, the Java mouse-deer is now considered a distinct species, although this fact has not significantly affected its current classification.<ref name=redorbit7>Java Mouse Deer, ''Tragulus javanicus'' - Mammals Reference Library - redOrbit. (n.d.). redOrbit - Science, Space, Technology, Health News and Information. Retrieved from http://www.redorbit.com/education/reference_library/science_1/mammalia/1112721404/java-mouse-deer-tragulus-javanicus/</ref>

==Appearance and biology==

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===Geographic range===

''Tragulus javanicus'', by definition, is endemic to Java, [[Indonesia]]. Sightings of ''Tragulus javanicus'' have been reported on the island of [[Bali]], but these reports have not been conclusively researched, thus it is uncertain if a population of Java mouse-deer exist outside of Java on Bali.<ref name="iucn11"iucn />

===Habitat===

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==Predators==

One of the main predators which the Java mouse-deer face is humans. Through the destruction of their habitat, as well as from hunting and trapping the mouse-deer for food, their pelts, and for pets, humans have considerably reduced the Java mouse-deer population. Mouse-deer are particularly vulnerable to being hunted by humans at night because of their tendency to freeze when shined with a spotlight.<ref name=iucn11iucn /> Because of the small size of the Java mouse-deer, dogs are also a common predator for them, as well as crocodiles, big cats, birds of prey, and snakes.<ref name=prothero14 />

==Diseases==

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==Conservation status==

Java mouse-deer is currently categorized as “Data Deficient” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s [[Red List]].<ref name=iucn11iucn /> This data deficiency is due to the inconclusiveness regarding the distinct separation of ''Tragulus'' species, in addition to the lack of information on ''Tragulus javanicus''. Even comparison of past observed numbers of Java mouse-deer with those presently observed does not greatly aid researchers because of the high likelihood of inaccuracy in past observations. Although listed as “Data Deficient,” it is highly probable that a decline in the numbers of Java mouse-deer is occurring, and upon further investigation of this issue, the Red List status of ''Tragulus javanicus'' could easily change to “Vulnerable”.<ref name=iucn11iucn /> Some conservation actions which have been implemented include legally protecting the species, which, although it has been in effect since 1931, makes no significant difference since hunting of Java mouse-deer still occurs. Additionally, some areas of Java which the Java mouse-deer frequents have been protected, yet enforcement of these regulations is still needed. One of the greatest conservation efforts needed is simply more information about the species: a more complete definition of its taxonomy, as well as more information on its habitat and behavior.

==Indonesian folklore==