Balabac Mouse Deer Tragulus nigricans

Balabac Mouse Deer Tragulus nigricans

Endangered

Extant (resident) Philippines; Presence Uncertain: Malaysia

The Balabac Mouse-deer, also known as the Philippine Mouse-deer or locally as Pilandok, is a tiny, fragile deer most active at night. They are ruminants endemic to the Balabac Islands in the Philippines. Despite their diminutive size, the deers play a significant role in their ecosystem, aiding in seed dispersal and maintaining forest undergrowth. Unfortunately, habitat loss and hunting have led to a decline in their populations. To protect the Balabac Mouse-deer you can take action every time you shop! Use your wallet as a weapon to fight for their survival and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

The species is also affected by habitat loss due to conversion of former habitat to coconut plantations and other agriculture.

IUCN Red List

Appearance and Behaviour

Balabac Mouse-deer are among the world’s smallest hoofed mammals, standing about 40 cm tall at the shoulder and weighing approximately 2.5 kg. They have a sleek, dark brown coat with white markings on the throat and chest, and slender legs adapted for swift movement through dense underbrush. Primarily nocturnal, they are shy and elusive, relying on their keen senses to avoid predators. Their diet consists mainly of fruits, leaves, and other plant materials, making them important seed dispersers in their habitat.

Geographic Range

Endemic to the Philippines, the Balabac Mouse-deer is found primarily on Balabac Island and nearby smaller islands such as Bugsuk and Ramos, located southwest of Palawan. Their preferred habitats are lowland forests and mangrove areas, where they can find ample cover and food resources.

Diet

As herbivores, Balabac Mouse-deer feed on a variety of plant materials, including fruits, leaves, flowers, and buds. Their foraging habits contribute to seed dispersal, aiding in forest regeneration and maintaining ecological balance within their environment.

Reproduction and Mating

Information on the reproductive behaviour of Balabac Mouse-deer is limited. However, like other species in the Tragulus genus, they are believed to have a polygynous mating system, with breeding occurring year-round. Females typically give birth to a single offspring after a gestation period of approximately 140–177 days. The young are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile shortly after birth, which is advantageous for avoiding predators.

Threats

The Balabac Mouse-deer is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with populations continuing to decline due to ongoing threats. Conservation efforts include habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and environmental education to raise awareness about the species’ plight. Recent studies have highlighted the need for more comprehensive data on their distribution and population status to inform effective conservation strategies.

IUCN Status: Endangered

• Palm oil and timber deforestation: Deforestation due to logging, palm oil agricultural expansion, and development has led to significant reductions in their natural habitat.
• Hunting and the illegal wildlife trade: Despite legal protections, hunting for local consumption and the illegal wildlife trade continues to threaten their populations.
• Limited Range: Being confined to a small geographic area makes them particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities.

Take Action!

Protect the Balabac Mouse-deer by boycotting products linked to deforestation, such as palm oil. Use your wallet as a weapon to support ethical and eco-friendly choices. Share their story and fight for their survival with #BoycottPalmOil and #Boycott4Wildlife.

Further Information

CSIRO Publishing. (2021). Geographic distribution, population and conservation status of Tragulus nigricans. Retrieved from CSIRO Publishing

Supsup, C. E., Asis, A. A., Carestia Jr., U. V., Puna, N. M., & Avanceña, J. B. (2021). Geographic distribution, population and conservation status of Tragulus nigricans, an endangered mouse deer endemic to western Philippines. Pacific Conservation Biology. Retrieved from ResearchGate

Widmann, P. 2015. Tragulus nigricans. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T22065A61977991. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T22065A61977991.en. Downloaded on 25 January 2021.

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Philippine Mouse-deer. Retrieved from Wikipedia

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