The Indian spotted chevrotain (Mouse Deer) is a solitary and secretive animal which prefers rocky areas with grass cover and is also seen close to water sources.It has an ability to camouflage itself well on the forest floor amongst debris and fallen leaves. while on a transect walk I almost walked into one before it shot off from right under my foot almost giving me a heart attack.
This curious looking animal also has the misfortune of being a preferred target for the pot. Unlike most other ungulates hunting is considered to be the major cause for depletion in populations of this species. Rampant poaching is prevalent in many parts of the country and is continuing even today by tribal populations and poachers who live on the forest fringes.
Shot near the Nilambur Reserve forest . Source of light is a torch.
500D, 55-250, 250mm, ISO 3200, 1/20, -EC. Cropped image
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