Recently, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) announced that its conservation and breeding efforts have resulted in the birth of a mouse deer within the zoo premises.
About Mouse deer:
It is also known as the Indian Chevrotain is the smallest deer species in the deer family and is known for its elusive and shy nature.
Features:
The fur color of the Indian spotted chevrotain is dark brown with white underparts.
There are four or five light rows of white spots on the back. Males of this species have tusk-like upper canines.
A unique feature of this group is that instead of a four-chambered stomach like in other ruminants, they have a three-chambered stomach.
Diet: It forages on the forest floor for fruits, roots, leaves, and herbs. It has occasionally been observed eating insects, crustaceans, and even small mammals.
Distribution:
It is endemic to the Indian Subcontinent.
It is mainly found in peninsular India, with some old records from Nepal.
Sri Lanka has a separate species called the spotted chevrotain (Moschiola meminna).
Within India, it is commonly encountered in a number of forest areas along the Western Ghats, in the Eastern Ghats up to Orissa, and in the forests of central India.
Ecological Significance: The mouse deer plays a major role in the forest ecosystem as a seed disperser and is important prey for many small and large carnivores.
Dear Student,
You have still not entered your mailing address. Please enter the address where all the study materials will be sent to you. (If applicable).
