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| name = Java mouse-deer
| image = Tragulus javanicus jerusalem zoo.jpg
| image_caption =
| status = DD
| status_system = IUCN3.1
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| species = javanicus
| authority = ([[Pehr Osbeck|Osbeck]], 1765)
| synonyms = {{collapsible list |{{species list
|Tragulus indicus |Brisson, 1762
|Cervus javanicus |(Osbeck, 1765)
|Tragulus Javensis |[[Peter Simon Pallas|Pallas]], 1779
|Moschus indicus |([[Johann Friedrich Gmelin|Gmelin]], 1788)
|Moschus javanicus |(Gmelin], 1788)
|Moschus Jasanicus |(C. H. Smith, 1826)
|Tragulus javanicus |[[Theodore Cantor|Cantor]], 1846
|Tragulus focalinus |G. S. Miller, 1903
}}}}
| synonyms_ref = <ref name="MDD">{{cite mdd|id=1006355|access-date=4 June 2025|title= Tragulus javanicus (Osbeck, 1765) Javan Chevrotain}}</ref>
}}
The '''Java mouse-deer''' ('''''Tragulus javanicus''''')<ref name=msw3>{{MSW3 Artiodactyla | id = 14200129 | pages = 649–650}}</ref> is a species of [[even-toed ungulate]] in the family [[Tragulidae]]. When it reaches maturity it is about the size of a [[rabbit]], making it the smallest living [[ungulate]]. It is found in forests in [[Java]] and perhaps [[Bali]], although sightings there have not been verified.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" />
This mouse-deer is depicted in [[Indonesian folklore]] as ''[[Sang Kancil]]''.
==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="iucn status 12 November 2021" /><ref name=meijaard>{{cite journal | last1 = Meijaard | first1 = I. | last2 = Groves | first2 = C. P. | year = 2004 | title = A taxonomic revision of the Tragulus mouse-deer. | journal = Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society | volume = 140 | pages = 63–102 | doi=10.1111/j.1096-3642.2004.00091.x| doi-access = free }}</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 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207213548/http://www.arkive.org/javan-mouse-deer/tragulus-javanicus/ |date=2013-12-07 }}</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> The Java mouse-deer is also known by many common names, including Javan chevrotain, Javan mousdeer, or Java Mouse Deer.<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>{{cite journal | last1 = Meijaard | first1 = E. | last2 = Groves | first2 = C. P. | year = 2004 | title = A Taxonomic Revision Of The Tragulus Mouse-deer (Artiodactyla) | journal = Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society | volume = 140 | issue = 1| pages = 63–102 | doi=10.1111/j.1096-3642.2004.00091.x| doi-access = free }}</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>▼
==Nomenclature==
[[File:Kantschil-drawing.jpg|thumb|By [[Gustav Mützel]]]]
Mouse-deer possess a triangular-shaped head, arched back, and round body with elevated rear quarters. The thin, short legs which support the mouse-deer are about the diameter of an average pencil. Although Java mouse-deer do not possess antlers or horns like regular deer, male Java mouse-deer have elongated, tusk-like upper canines which protrude downward from the upper jaw along the sides of their mouth. Males use these “tusks” to defend themselves and their mates against rivals.<ref name=superhero8>Nowak, R., J. Paradiso. 1983. Walker's Mammals of the World. Chicago: Johns Hopkins University Press.</ref> Females can be distinguished from males because they lack these prominent canines, and they are slightly smaller than the males.<ref name=eof5/> Java mouse-deer can furthermore be distinguished by their lack of upper incisors. The coat coloration of the Java mouse-deer is reddish-brown with a white underside. Pale white spots or vertical markings are also present on the animal's neck.<ref name=eof5/>▼
The Java mouse-deer has many [[common name]]s, including Javan chevrotain,<ref name="MDD"/> Javan mousdeer, or Java Mouse Deer.<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>
▲===Taxonomy===
The Java mouse-deer's current scientific name is ''Tragulus javanicus'', although other names for it exist, including ''Tragulus javanica'' ([[Feminine sense|fem.]]), ''Cervus javanicus'' ([[basionym]]), and ''Tragulus fuscatus'' ([[heterotypic synonym]]).<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /><ref name=meijaard>{{cite journal | last1 = Meijaard | first1 = I. | last2 = Groves | first2 = C. P. | year = 2004 | title = A taxonomic revision of the Tragulus mouse-deer. | journal = Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society | volume = 140 | pages = 63–102 | doi=10.1111/j.1096-3642.2004.00091.x| doi-access = free }}</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 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207213548/http://www.arkive.org/javan-mouse-deer/tragulus-javanicus/ |date=2013-12-07 }}</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>
The taxonomic history of the Java mouse-deer is convoluted; previously, the Java mouse-deer (''Tragulus javanicus'') was commonly thought to encompass a group of small-bodied [[chevrotain]]s, but after revisions it was found that this species name should only apply to mouse-deer specimens from [[Java]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Stone |first1=Witmer |last2=Rehn |first2=J. A. G. |title=A Collection of Mammals from Sumatra, with a Review of the Genera Nycticebus and Tragulus |journal=Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia |date=Jan–Apr 1902 |volume=54 |issue=1 |pages=127–132 |jstor=4062829 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4062829?seq=10 |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>
▲
==Description==
[[File:Tragulus javanicus skeleton at Yale Peabody Museum.jpg|thumb|Skeletal mount; [[Yale Peabody Museum]]]]
▲Mouse-deer possess
With an average length of {{Convert|45|cm|abbr=on}} and an average height of {{Convert|30|cm|abbr=on}}, the Java mouse-deer is the smallest [[Neontology|extant]] (living) ungulate or hoofed mammal, as well as the smallest extant even-toed ungulate.<ref name=eof5/><ref name=erythrocytes9>{{cite journal|last1=Fukuta|first1=K.|last2=Kudo|first2=H|last3=Jalaludin|first3=S.|year=1996|title=Unique pits on the erythrocytes of the lesser mouse-deer, Tragulus javanicus|journal=Journal of Anatomy|volume=189|issue=1|pages=211–213|pmc=1167845|pmid=8771414}}</ref><ref name=JoB/> The weight of the Java mouse-deer ranges from {{Convert|1|to|2|kg}}, with males being heavier than females. It has an average tail length of about {{Convert|5|cm|abbr=on}}. Mouse-deer are thought to be the most primitive [[ruminant]]s based on their behaviour and the [[fossil]] record, thus they are the living link between ruminants and non-ruminants.<ref name=animalrecs10>Carwardine, M., & London, E. (2007). Animal records. New York: Sterling</ref><ref name=JoB>{{Cite journal|last1=Matsubayashi|first1=Hisashi|last2=Bosi|first2=Edwin|last3=Kohshima|first3=Shiro|date=28 February 2003|title=Activity and Habitat Use of Lesser Mouse-Deer (Tragalus javanicus)|journal=Journal of Mammalogy|language=en|volume=84|issue=1|pages=234–242|doi=10.1644/1545-1542(2003)084<0234:AAHUOL>2.0.CO;2|issn=0022-2372|doi-access=free}}</ref>
===Physiology===
The Java mouse-deer is [[endotherm]]ic and [[homoeothermic]], and has an average basal metabolic rate of about 4.883 [[watt]]s.<ref name=eof5/> It also has the smallest [[red blood cell]]s (erythrocytes) of any mammal, and about 12.8% of the cells have pits on them. The pits range in diameter from 68 to 390 [[nanometre]]s. Red blood cells with pits are unique and have not been reported before either physiologically or pathologically.<ref name=erythrocytes9/>
==
[[File:Tragulidae Tragulus javanicus 1.jpg|left|thumb|Moving through [[undergrowth]]; [[Frankfurt Zoological Garden|Frankfurt Zoo]]]]
''Tragulus javanicus'' is usually considered to be endemic to [[Java]
The Java mouse-deer prefers
▲''Tragulus javanicus'' is usually considered to be endemic to [[Java] and india ], Indonesia. There have been unverified reports of sightings on [[Bali]].<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" />
==
It was previously believed that Java mouse-deer were [[nocturnal]], but more recent studies have shown that they are neither truly nocturnal nor [[Diurnality|diurnal]], instead being [[crepuscular]], or preferring to be active during the dim light of [[dawn]] and [[dusk]].<ref name=superhero8/> This behavior has been observed in both wild and captive Java mouse-deer.<ref name=matsubayashi13>{{cite journal | last1 = Matsubayashi | first1 = H. | last2 = Bosi | first2 = E. | last3 = Kohshima | first3 = S. | year = 2003 | title = Activity And Habitat Use Of Lesser Mouse-Deer (Tragulus Javanicus) | url =http://eprints.ums.edu.my/528/1/Activity_and_habitat_use_of_lesser_mouse-deer_%28Tragulus_javanicus%29.pdf | journal = Journal of Mammalogy | volume = 84 | issue = 1| pages = 234–242 | doi=10.1644/1545-1542(2003)084<0234:aahuol>2.0.co;2| doi-access = free }}</ref>
▲The Java mouse-deer prefers habitats of higher elevations and the tropical forest regions of Java, although it does appear at lower elevations between {{Convert|400|-|700|m}} above sea level.<ref name=eof5/><ref name=adw12>Strawder, N. (2000). ADW: Tragulus javanicus. ADW: Home. Retrieved from http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Tragulus_javanicus/</ref> During the day, Java mouse-deer can be seen roaming in crown-gap areas with dense undergrowth of creeping bamboo, through which they make tunnels through the thick vegetation which lead to resting places and feeding areas.<ref name=superhero8/> At night, the Java mouse-deer moves to higher and drier ridge areas.<ref name=eof5/> It has been argued that Java mouse-deer are an “edge” species, favoring areas of dense vegetation along riverbanks.<ref name=eof5/> Additionally, Java mouse-deer have been found to be more prevalent in logged areas than in the more mature forests, and their densities tended to decrease proportionately as the logged forests matured.
==
===Diet===▼
Java mouse-deer are primarily [[herbivores]], although in captivity they have been observed to eat insects as well as foliage. Their diet consists primarily of that which they find on the ground in the dense vegetation they inhabit, and they prefer the plants of the faster-growing gap species over the closed forest understory species, likely due to the increased richness of secondary protective compounds which the gap species provide.<ref name=eof5/> They are often classified as [[folivores]], eating primarily leaves, shrubs, shoots, buds, and fungi, in addition to fruits which have fallen from trees.<ref name=eof5/><ref name=superhero8/> The fruits which Java mouse-deer commonly consume range from {{Convert|1|-|5|g}}, while the seeds range from {{Convert|0.01|-|0.5|g|abbr = on}}.<ref name=eof5/>
Because of the small size of the Java mouse-deer, they are vulnerable to [[dog]]s, [[crocodile]]s, [[wild cat]]s such as [[Panthera|panther]]s, [[Bird of prey|birds of prey]], and [[snake]]s.<ref name=prothero14 />
===Social behavior===
[[File:Tragulus javanicus (2).jpg|thumb|Sitting, with upper canines visible; [[Antwerp Zoo]]]]
Male Java mouse-deer are territorial, marking their territory and their mates with secretions from an intermandibular scent gland under their chin.<ref name=superhero8/> This territorial marking usually includes urinating or defecating to mark their area. To protect themselves and their mates or to defend their territory, mouse-deer slash rivals with their sharp, protruding canine “tusks.” It has also been observed that, when threatened, the Java mouse-deer will beat its hooves quickly against the ground, reaching speeds of up to 7 beats per second, creating a “drum roll” sound.<ref name=prothero14>Prothero, D. R., & Foss, S. E. (2007). The evolution of artiodactyls. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press</ref> ▼
▲The [[Territory (animal)|territories]] of ''Tragulus javanicus'' males and females have been observed to overlap considerably, yet individuals of the same sex do not share their territories.<ref name=eof5/> Male Java mouse-deer are territorial, marking their territory and their mates with secretions from an intermandibular scent gland under their chin.<ref name=superhero8/> This territorial marking usually includes urinating or defecating to mark their area. To protect themselves and their mates or to defend their territory, mouse-deer slash rivals with their sharp, protruding canine “tusks.” It has also been observed that, when threatened, the Java mouse-deer will beat its hooves quickly against the ground, reaching speeds of up to 7 beats per second, creating a “drum roll” sound.<ref name=prothero14>Prothero, D. R., & Foss, S. E. (2007). The evolution of artiodactyls. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press</ref> When giving birth, however, females tend to establish a new home range. Female Java mouse-deer have an estimated home range of {{Convert|4.3|ha|lk = in}}, while males inhabit, on average, {{Convert|5.9|ha}}. Additionally, male Java mouse-deer, in nature, were observed to travel distances of {{Convert|519|m}} daily on average, while females average {{Convert|574|m}} daily.<ref name=eof5/>
==Reproduction==▼
Java mouse-deer are capable of breeding at any time during the year, and this has been observed during captivity.<ref name=eof5/><ref name=adw12 /> However, some sources have observed that the breeding season for the Java mouse-deer in nature occurs from November to December.<ref name=hayssen15>Hayssen, V., & Tienhoven, A. v. (1993). Asdell's patterns of mammalian reproduction: a compendium of species-specific data. Ithaca: Cornell University Press</ref> Additionally, female mouse-deer have the potential to be pregnant throughout most of their adult life, and they are capable of conceiving 85–155 minutes after giving birth.<ref name=adw12/> The Java mouse-deer's gestation period usually lasts 4.5 months, or 144 days.<ref name=eof5/><ref name=adw12 /> Typical litters consist of a single fawn, which resembles a miniature adult, although the tusk-like incisors prevalent in males are not visible in the young mouse-deer.<ref name=eof5/> The average mass of a newborn fawn is {{Convert|370|g}}, and these precocial young are capable of standing within 30 minutes after birth. Fawns are capable of eating solid food within two weeks, yet it takes around 12 weeks to completely wean the fawns.<ref name=superhero8/> On average, it takes the young, both male and female, 167 days (~5 months) to reach sexual maturity.<ref name=kingdon16>Kingdon, J. (1989). East African mammals : an atlas of evolution in Africa. London: Academic Press</ref> Mouse-deer have been observed to live up to 14 years in captivity, but their lifespan in nature is still an open question.<ref name=eof5/>▼
▲====Reproduction====
[[File:Rare mating photograph of 'Mouse Deers' at Singapore Zoo(23-10-07).JPG|thumb|Mating; [[Singapore Zoo]]]]
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 illuminated by having a spotlight shone on them.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> 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 />▼
Java mouse-deer are capable of breeding at any time during the year, and this has been observed during captivity.<ref name=eof5/><ref name=adw12 /> However, some sources have observed that the breeding season for the Java mouse-deer in nature occurs from November to December.<ref name=hayssen15>Hayssen, V., & Tienhoven, A. v. (1993). Asdell's patterns of mammalian reproduction: a compendium of species-specific data. Ithaca: Cornell University Press</ref> Additionally, female mouse-deer have the potential to be pregnant throughout most of their adult life, and they are capable of conceiving 85–155 minutes after giving birth.<ref name=adw12/> The Java mouse-deer's gestation period usually lasts 4.5 months, or 144 days.<ref name=eof5/><ref name=adw12 />
▲
Although research into the diseases and parasites which affect the Java mouse-deer are still nascent, bovine viral diarrhea virus ([[BVDV]] 1), a [[pestivirus]] of the family [[Flaviviridae]] has been detected in Java mouse-deer. Mouse-deer acquire this virus through fetal infection during early pregnancy. Once acquired, individuals with BVDV can gain lifelong [[immune tolerance]].<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Uttenthal | first1 = A. | last2 = Hoyer | first2 = M. J. | last3 = Grøndahl | first3 = C. | last4 = Houe | first4 = H. | last5 = van Maanen | first5 = C | last6 = Rasmussen | first6 = T. B. | display-authors = etal | year = 2006 | title = Vertical Transmission Of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) In Mousedeer (Tragulus Javanicus) And Spread To Domestic Cattle | journal = Archives of Virology | volume = 151 | issue = 12| pages = 2377–2387 | doi=10.1007/s00705-006-0818-8 | pmid=16835699| s2cid = 12282255 }}</ref>
==Relation to humans==
==Conservation status==▼
[[File:A kancil story 2014-05-25 02.jpg|thumb|''Sang Kancil'' as depicted in a ''[[Wayang]]'' show]]
Java mouse-deer is currently categorized as “Data Deficient” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's [[Red List]].<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> 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="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> 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.{{Citation needed|date = June 2015}} 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===▼
{{Main|Kancil Story|Wayang Kancil}}
Historically, the mouse-deer has featured prominently in Malay and Indonesian [[folklore]], where it is considered a wise creature. This character, ''[[Sang Kancil]]'' (pronounced “Kahn-cheel”), is a diminutive but wise mouse-deer
▲Java mouse-deer is currently categorized as “Data Deficient” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's [[Red List]].<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> 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="iucn status 12 November 2021" />
▲One of the main predators
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.{{Citation needed|date = June 2015}} 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==
▲Historically, the mouse-deer has featured prominently in Malay and Indonesian [[folklore]], where it is considered a wise creature. This character, [[Sang Kancil]] (pronounced “Kahn-cheel”), is a diminutive but wise mouse-deer. Sang Kancil is a tiny and cunning hero who, through his intelligence, is able to prevail over his larger tyrants and foes.<ref>The Lesser Mouse Deer - A Tiny Superhero - pictures and facts. (n.d.). Animal pictures | Facts about mammals. Retrieved from http://thewebsiteofeverything.com/animals/mammals/Artiodactyla/Tragulidae/Tragulus/Tragulus-javanicus.html</ref><ref>Shepard, A. (2005) The Adventures of Mouse Deer: Tales of Indonesia and Malaysia. Aaron Shepard's Home Page. Retrieved from http://www.aaronshep.com/rt/RTE35.html</ref>
==References==
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