Java mouse-deer

The Java mouse-deer has many common names, including Javan chevrotain, Taxonomy The Java mouse-deer's current scientific name is Tragulus javanicus, although other names for it exist, including Tragulus javanica (fem.), Cervus javanicus (basionym), and Tragulus fuscatus (heterotypic synonym). 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 chevrotains, but after revisions it was found that this species name should only apply to mouse-deer specimens from Java. Recent craniometric analyses have begun to shed light on the taxonomic discrepancies. 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). Thus, because of its endemism 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. ==Description==

Mouse-deer possess triangular-shaped heads, arched backs, and rounded bodies with elevated rear ends. The thin, short legs which support the mouse-deer are about the diameter of an average pencil. Unlike the antlered true deer, or horned bovids, but akin to Moschus musk 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. Females can be distinguished from males because they lack these prominent canines, and they are slightly smaller than the males. Physiology The Java mouse-deer is endothermic and homoeothermic, and has an average basal metabolic rate of about 4.883 watts. It also has the smallest red blood cells (erythrocytes) of any mammal, and about 12.8% of the cells have pits on them. The pits range in diameter from 68 to 390 nanometres. Red blood cells with pits are unique and have not been reported before either physiologically or pathologically. ==Habitat==

; Frankfurt Zoo Tragulus javanicus is usually considered to be endemic to Java, Indonesia. There have been unverified reports of sightings on Bali. 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. At night, the Java mouse-deer moves to higher and drier ridge areas. It has been argued that Java mouse-deer are an "edge" species, favoring areas of dense vegetation along riverbanks. 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. ==Biology==

It was previously believed that Java mouse-deer were nocturnal, but more recent studies have shown that they are neither truly nocturnal nor diurnal, instead being crepuscular, or preferring to be active during the dim light of dawn and dusk. Ecology 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. When giving birth, however, females tend to establish a new home range. Female Java mouse-deer have an estimated home range of , while males inhabit, on average, . Additionally, male Java mouse-deer, in nature, were observed to travel distances of daily on average, while females average daily. 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. Mouse-deer have been observed to live up to 14 years in captivity, but their lifespan in nature is still an open question. ==Relation to humans==

'' show 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; despite being tiny in comparison to other animals, his cunning and intelligence allows him to prevail over his larger opponents. Conservation Java mouse-deer is currently categorized as "Data Deficient" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. 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". One of the main predators that the Java mouse-deer faces are humans. Through the destruction of their habitat, as well as from hunting and trapping the mouse-deer for food, their pelts, and as 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. 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. ==References==