Udupi: Mouse Deer Baffles Padubidri Locals with Sudden Appearance

News & Pics: Chethan Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SB)

Udupi, Jan 20: The people of Hejamady Kodi of Padubidri were amused and spellbound with wild animal, Chevrotain commonly known as mouse deer making its sudden appearance here, recently.

The sober animal made its way into the human habitat as it was chased by few dogs. The locals, Sukesh, Rakshith, Roshan, Teerthaprasad, Neeraj, Sushan and Pravit rescued the animal.

On being informed, the team from forest department, forest officer Jayaram Shetty and foest watcher Timmappa arrived at the spot. The animal ws left to the wild at Pilarkhana near Shirva here. 

About Chevrotain

The species of chevrotain belong to family of Tragulidae. Chevrotains are small, secretive creatures, now found only in the tropical forests of Africa, India, Srilanka and South-east Asia. They are the only living members of the infraorder Tragulina. The 'chevrotain', a French word when translated means 'little goat'.

Chevrotains have primitive features, closer to non-ruminants such as pigs. They have short, thin legs which leave them lacking in agility but also helps to maintain a smaller profile which aids in running through the dense foliage of their environment. Other pig-like features include the presence of four toes on each foot and the absence of facial scent glands.

Chevrotains are solitary animals, and usually interact only to mate.