It is the mouse deer, which is found in the tropical forests of Africa
What Is The Smallest Deer In Africa?
The Mouse Deer is one of the smallest deer-like species found in the tropical forests of Africa and other areas of the world including South East Asia. This family of creatures are very special - they have descended and evolved over millions of years and are among the most ancient species on earth.
Also known as a Chevrotain, the species found in Africa is known as a Water Chevrotain and are the largest of the mouse deer family - although still comparitively small, weighing about 10kg. He is typically around 80cm long but has little strength with short, fragile legs. The mouse deer family do not have any horns or antlers like larger deer species, but the males develop tusk like canines for combat purposes.
Markings on the Chevrotain can be striped or spotted, with red/brown colours on their coats. Chevrotains favour living in forests and thickets, mainly grazing on leaves, flowers and fruits. The Chevrotain has a multi chambered stomach to help digest the foliage it eats; some of the material it consumes needs special fermentation in one of the chambers to break down for digestion.
Also known as a Chevrotain, the species found in Africa is known as a Water Chevrotain and are the largest of the mouse deer family - although still comparitively small, weighing about 10kg. He is typically around 80cm long but has little strength with short, fragile legs. The mouse deer family do not have any horns or antlers like larger deer species, but the males develop tusk like canines for combat purposes.
Markings on the Chevrotain can be striped or spotted, with red/brown colours on their coats. Chevrotains favour living in forests and thickets, mainly grazing on leaves, flowers and fruits. The Chevrotain has a multi chambered stomach to help digest the foliage it eats; some of the material it consumes needs special fermentation in one of the chambers to break down for digestion.