Page 30 - Ex-Situ Updates - Double Edition

The distribution of the Indian chevrotain is confined to

Central India, in the Eastern Ghats up to Odisha, and
in the Western Ghats which may have the best
population of the species. The Kalakad-Mundanthurai
Tiger Reserve, at the extreme end of the Western
Ghats, appears to be one of the best-protected areas

for the species. Other PAs in the Western Ghats where
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one can encounter the species are Periyar Tiger
Reserve, Anamalai National Park, Parambikulam Tiger
Reserve, Silent Valley National Park, Bhadra Wildlife
Sanctuary, Kudremukh National Park, and Kali Tiger
Reserve. The beautiful forest complex comprising of
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve,
Nagarahole Tiger Reserve and Wayanad (together

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forming the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve spread over
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f r i g t e N i i i i s h r e e v p e d o e

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5,520 sq. km) offers the habitat contiguity that is
much-needed for the long-term conservation of this
and many other species.
Along the Eastern Ghats, populations should occur
along the Nallamalai Hills, Nagarjunasagar Srisailam
Tiger Reserve, and the Similipal Hills. The renowned
wildlife biologist, George B. Schaller notes in his
classical publication on Indian mammals, The Deer
and The Tiger, the occurrence of Indian chevrotain in
Kanha National Park. If not observed carefully, piglets

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w i t i e a e m i t k n f r m o s e
with stripes may be mistaken for mouse deer. The
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Chevrotain may often be confused with young wild
piglets and could have led to the belief that mouse
deer occurred as far north as Nepal. In recent years,
much camera-trapping for tiger and other wildlife has
happened in Indian and Nepal terai and so far no
mouse deer has been camera-trapped.
Very little is known about the ecology and behavior of
the Indian chevrotain with much of the information
being in the form of anecdotal observations and sight
records. Like other forest ruminants, adult chevrotains
are mostly solitary except at the time of courtship.
During the day, the chevrotains stay concealed in dens
that may be hollows in the logs, tree holes, or under
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rock shelters.
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