Tragulidae, from Latin tragus (“goat”) and Latin -ulus (diminutive suffix), means “small goat”, in reference to the fact that all the members of this family have a goat-like appearance despite being smaller.

Common names of members

Chevrotains, mouse deers.

Distribution 

South and Southeast Asia and Central and West Africa.

Size

They are small deer-like animals. The Asian species weigh between 0.7 and 8.0 kg, while some African species vary in 7–16 kg.

Morphology

All species in the family lack antlers and horns, but both sexes have elongated canine teeth. These are especially prominent in males, where they project out on either side of the lower jaw. Their legs are short and thin, with four toes on each foot, but the 2nd and 5th digits are reduced.

Ecology & Habitat

Rainforests.

Diet

Mainly Herbivore: grasses, leaves, fruits (rarely ingesting invertebrates).

Reproduction 

Most are polygamous (one male mating with multiple females). Females give birth to one young per year. After giving birth, they will eat the placenta. The young are hidden on the forest floor and taken care of by the mother for 3-6 months. After the suckling period, the mothers and the young will live separately.

Total species known

10

Species in the collection

1

Species in Hong Kong

0

References

Nowak, R. M. (1999). Walker's Mammals of the World. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Macdonald, D. W. (2006). The Encyclopedia of mammals. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acref/9780199206087.001.0001.