The silver-backed chevrotain, also known as the Vietnamese mouse-deer, is a unique and elusive creature, captivating scientific and public interest. For decades, its existence was uncertain, making it a subject of fascination. This small, hoofed mammal stands out as an intriguing enigma within the animal kingdom.
Unveiling the Silver-Backed Chevrotain
The silver-backed chevrotain (Tragulus versicolor) is a small ungulate, or hoofed mammal, weighing less than 5 kg. It is deer-like in appearance, roughly the size of a rabbit or small cat. However, it is not a true deer but belongs to the chevrotain family (Tragulidae), which includes the world’s smallest hoofed mammals.
This species is distinguished by its unique two-toned coat. The posterior part of its body, from behind the shoulders to the rump, is a distinctive silver-gray, often described as a “saddle,” with white-tipped hairs. In contrast, its head, neck, and shoulders are a bright golden-brown. Males possess prominent, tusk-like upper canine teeth that protrude from their mouths, a characteristic feature of chevrotains.
Life in the Forest
The silver-backed chevrotain is known only from Vietnam, particularly the dry low-lying forests of its southern coastal regions. This animal is primarily solitary, although occasionally observed in pairs. While historically believed to be nocturnal, recent camera-trap evidence suggests it may be more active during the day.
Its diet consists of plants and fruits, similar to other chevrotain species, and possibly small invertebrates. As a small ungulate, it plays a role in seed dispersal and nutrient cycling within its forest habitat. However, detailed information about its specific ecological interactions remains limited.
A Remarkable Rediscovery
The silver-backed chevrotain was considered “lost to science” for nearly 30 years, with the last confirmed scientific sighting in 1990. Prior to that, only four specimens had been collected between 1906 and 1910. This prolonged absence led to fears of its extinction, and it was listed as “Data Deficient” by the IUCN in 2008.
The species was rediscovered in November 2019, following a collaborative effort by Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC) and partners. The rediscovery was prompted by interviews with local villagers and forest rangers in southern Vietnam who reported sightings of a gray mouse deer. Based on these tips, researchers set up camera traps in late 2017.
The initial deployment of three camera traps over five months yielded 275 photos of the species. A subsequent phase with 29 camera stations captured over 1,881 photographs within another five-month period, confirming the animal’s continued existence. This rediscovery, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, marks the silver-backed chevrotain as the first mammal on GWC’s “25 Most Wanted Lost Species” list to be found. This event has spurred new conservation efforts, including ongoing studies to determine population size and distribution, and the development of a conservation action plan to protect the species from threats like hunting and habitat loss.