This shy, diminutive even-toed ungulate, measures less than 50 cm long. It ekes a living on the floor of primary and secondary forests feeding on leaves, shoots, fruits and sometimes fungi. It is nocturnal and crepuscular (i.e. active early morning and late afternoon).

The fur is mainly reddish-brown, with white markings on the neck, and the underparts are pale. The legs are delicate and slender, the body arched, and the tail usually tucked beneath the hind-quarters. Males have protruding canines.

The species is identified by the characteristic inverted chevron pattern on the throat and upper chest.

The species ranges from southern China, Indochina and Thailand through Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to Sumatra, Java and Borneo.
 

Figs 1 and 2 : Specimens encountered during late afternoon and early evening in secondary forest, Singapore.

Figs 3 and 4 : Another specimen sheltering in a thicket at night, Singapore.


Order : ARTIODACTYLA
Family : Tragulidae
Species : Tragulus kanchil

Head-Body Length : 42-49cm
Tail Length : 6-9cm
Weight : 2.0-2.5 kg

References : M1, M2