Fun Java Mouse-deer Facts For Kids

The Tragulus javanicus is also known as the Java mouse-deer. The deer is the smallest species of the even-toed ungulate belonging to the family of Tragulidae.

The species is primarily found in different regions of Indonesia, such as Bali and Java. The average length and height of the species are 18 in (45 cm) and 12 in (30 cm), respectively. At the same time, they weigh around two to four lb (1-2 kg).

Unlike other species of deer, the Java mouse-deer has no antlers or horns. Also, the deers have curved back and triangular-shaped heads, thin and short legs that resemble pencils. The adult Java mouse-deer males have tusk-like canines, while the females do not possess canines.

Males use tusk-like canines to protect themselves and their mates against rivals. The upper side of the body is reddish-brown in color, while the underside is white. They also have white vertical spots on their neck.

The Java mouse-deer is a herbivore and generally prey on leaves, shrubs, shoots, buds, fruits, and fungi. The species are found either in tropical forests or dense forests.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List has not evaluated the conservation status of the species due to data deficiency, but research states that the population of the species is declining.

Keep on reading to learn more interesting facts about the Java mouse-deer. If you want to know more exciting information about different animals, check out the deer mouse facts and Chinese water deer facts.

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Java Mouse-Deer Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a Java mouse-deer?

The Java mouse-deer is an endemic species found in Indonesia. The deer is the smallest species of even-toed ungulate.

What class of animal does a Java mouse-deer belong to?

The Java mouse-deer (Tragulus javanicus) belongs to the mammal class, the family of Tragulidae, Tragulus genus.

How many Java mouse-deers are there in the world?

The exact population of these mouse-deers is not known as of now, but the species is native to a few places of Southeast Asia.

Where does a Java mouse-deer live?

The Java mouse-deer is prominently found in a country of Southeast Asia, Indonesia. The species can easily be spotted on the island of Java and Bali.

What is a Java mouse-deer's habitat?

The tropical forests and dense vegetation serve as the habitat of the species.

Who does Java mouse-deer live with?

Unlike other species of deers, the Java mouse-deers are solitary and prefer to live alone. These deers are quite shy and silent.

It was said that the species was nocturnal, and they remain active during the night, but recent studies reveal that the species is crepuscular, the one that remains active during the twilight period. The mouse deer remain unseen but meet each other during the mating season.

How long does a Java mouse-deer live?

The average lifespan of a Java mouse-deer is 12-14 years.

How do they reproduce?

The mating pattern followed by the Java mouse- deer is monogamy that means the males or buck tries to stick to a single female mouse deer. These deers reach maturity after 5-6 months or 167 days of birth.

Also, the adult female goes through an oestrus cycle in which the deer expresses signs of mating behavior. The breeding season occurs from November to December.

The gestation period lasts for about 4-5 months. The female generally gives birth to a single fawn, and they usually hide for a few weeks, and the fawn or young deer generally weighs around 0.8 lb (370 g).

What is their conservation status?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List has not evaluated the status of the Java mouse-deer (Tragulus javanicus) due to the deficiency of data. Recent studies reveal that the population has been declining, but local governments have taken major steps to protect the species.

Java Mouse-Deer Fun Facts

What does Java mouse-deer look like?

The Java mouse-deer, also known as the Tragulus javanicus is one of the smallest and adorable species of the even-toed ungulate. The adult mouse-deer resembles rabbits due to their small height.

They have a reddish-brown coat on their upper body with white spots on the neck. Unlike other species of deers, they don't have antlers which makes them more unique.

How cute are they?

The species is so small and could be the cutest animals found in the entire world. An adult Javadeer would resemble a reddish-brown rabbit. Watching them eating leaves and protecting their territory would be so fascinating.

How do they communicate?

The species are quite shy and prefer to live alone and follow the same communication method and try to communicate through their body language and different signs and sounds. The deer would warn their mates by a shrill cry. During the mating season, the species become more vocal.

How big is a Java mouse-deer?

The average length and height of the Java mouse-deer are 18 in (45 cm) and 12 in (30 cm), respectively. Males are comparatively larger than female deers. These animals are twice the size of the Netherlands Dwarf rabbits.

How fast can a Java mouse-deer run?

The exact speed of the species is not known as of now, but recent research suggests that the male Java mouse-deer travels around 1700 ft (519 m) while the females travel around 1880 ft (574 m) a day. Also, to avoid predation or hunting, the deers run at a speed of seven beats of hooves per second.

How much does a Java mouse-deer weigh?

The average weight of a Java mouse-deer is 2-4 lb (1-2 kg).

What are the male and female names of the species?

The male Java mouse-deer is known as a buck, whereas the female deer is called a doe.

What would you call a baby Java mouse-deer?

We would call a baby or young deer a fawn.

What do they eat?

These animals are herbivores and primarily prey on leaves, shrubs, shoots, buds, fruits, and fungi.

Are they dangerous?

The species is very small in size, and unlike other deers, they don't have antlers. Thus these deers are not harmful to humans, but the male Java mouse-deers have tusk-like canines and can also attack if they feel threatened.

Would they make a good pet?

Everyone would love to have these cute little mouse deers as pets. Many people in Southeast Asia do keep them as pets.

Also, they are very small and manageable, unlike other deers. But a proper habitat should be arranged if someone is keeping the deer as the species are primarily found in the forest and thick vegetation. Also, proper care and training should be given to keep them as they could become aggressive and attack kids in homes.

Did you know...

A similar species, Lesser mouse-deer, also belongs to the same family of Tragulidae. The species is native to several counties of South Asia. The size of a lesser mouse-deer resembles the Java mouse-deer.

A few species of deer are fond of eating small rodents such as mice. Usually, almost every species is herbivorous, but a few deers in the western world were found eating mice. Also, it is very tough for them to digest the meat. Animals such as crocodiles, snakes, eagles, and big cats prey on them.

Is Java mouse-deer the smallest living ungulate?

Yes, the Java mouse-deer is the smallest living ungulate. The mature deer is only the size of a rabbit.

When does Java mouse-deer reach maturity?

Generally, the species reaches maturity or adulthood after 19-20 weeks of birth.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these American redstart facts and American wirehair facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Java mouse deer coloring pages.