This curious animal looks like a deer, but when it is born, it is no bigger than a hamster. In adulthood, it reaches the size of a rabbit—30 cm in height and 2.5 kg in weight. This is one of the smallest hoofed mammals in the world.
The mouse-deer has a triangular-shaped head, arched back, and round body with elevated rear legs. Those thin legs are about the diameter of a pencil. It's amazing how this fragile animal can survive in the wild! These animals are said to be very intelligent and cautious. They are hunted by large cats, snakes, birds of prey and humans.
The mouse-deer lives in tropical forests of higher elevations primarily in Java, but they have also been seen in Bali, Borneo, and Sumatra. They are the most active during their breeding season in November–December.
Practical info
When is the breeding season for Java mouse-deer in Indonesia?
The Java mouse-deer in Indonesia is most active and visible during November-December, which is their breeding season. They are primarily located in tropical forests of higher elevations in the area but have also been seen in Bali, Borneo, and Sumatra. Show more
Aside from Java, where else can Java mouse-deer be found in Indonesia?
Found mainly in Java, the Java mouse-deer has also been observed in Bali, Borneo, and Sumatra in Indonesia. It typically resides in tropical forests of higher elevations making it a rare species. Visiting a national park or wildlife sanctuary can increase the chance of spotting them. Show more
What is the size of the Java mouse-deer compared to other deer species?
With an average height of 30 cm and weight of 2.5 kg when fully grown, the Java mouse-deer is among the smallest hoofed mammal species on earth. While notably small, they are known for their caution and intellect and are vigilant prey. Comparatively, other species like moose or elk can be over 2 meters in length and weigh over 600 kg. Show more
Which animals hunt Java mouse-deer in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, Java mouse-deer have many natural predators, including tigers, leopards, snakes, birds of prey, and even humans. Remaining constantly attentive and able to jump great distances, the Java mouse-deer use their intelligence and physical capabilities to evade danger. Show more
What strategies do Java mouse-deer use to survive in the wild?
Java mouse-deer employ caution, intelligence, and physical abilities to survive in their natural habitat. Their agility, speed, and senses of smell and hearing aid in detecting predators and communicating with each other. Nevertheless, their habitats are at risk from human encroachment and deforestation like many other species. Show more
