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Do you know what the world's smallest ungulates are? How did their mysterious lives attract the attention of scientists?
Chevrotains, also known as mouse deer, belong to the Tragulidae, a small family of ungulates, and are the only extant members of the suborder Tragulina. These small, almost cute animals, with ten extant species, live in the forests of South and Southeast Asia and are rich in mysterious properties that have attracted the attention of scientists for thousands of years. Scientists recently sighted the silverback mouse deer again in a forest in Vietnam, the first confirmed sighting since 1990, according to new reports.
"Chai Chichuan, with its unique lifestyle and distinctive physiological characteristics, has become a hot research topic among biologists."
Biological characteristics
Famous for its tiny stature, the Chai Chi Chuan is the smallest ungulate mammal in the world. The Asian Chai Chi Chuan weighs between 1 and 4 kilograms, while the African Chai Chi Chuan is much larger, weighing 7 to 16 kilograms. With an average length of 45 cm and an average height of 30 cm, the Java mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus) is the smallest living hoofed mammal. Although they have the word "deer" in their name, they are not closely related to real deer.
The Chai Chi Chuan's lifestyle is also quite unique, the animal usually feeds on plants and lives primarily solitary or in loose groups or pairs. The animal's stomach structure also shows that it was an ancient ruminant, with a four-chambered stomach to help digest hard plant foods, but a poorly developed third chamber. Although most Chai Chichuan are herbivorous, Shui Chai Chichuan will occasionally prey on insects and small animals, and their adaptability to the water has gradually attracted the attention of biologists.
"Chai Chichuan's legs are short and slender, helping them to move flexibly in dense forests, which allows them to effectively avoid predators."
Classification and evolution
Chai Chichuan's family history can be traced back to the Olive Epoch about 34 million years ago, and spread widely throughout the entire Early Miocene. Despite the passage of hundreds of millions of years, their body structure has remained almost unchanged, making them an ancient example of ruminants. The animals' four-legged toes, lack of facial glands and unique reproductive behavior show their close relationship to pigs.
There are currently ten known types of Chai Chi Chuan, including Shui Chuan Chuan, Indian Green Chai Chi Chuan, Sri Lankan Chai Chi Chuan, etc. The discovery of these species not only increases our understanding of animal evolution, but also prompts scientists to explore their role in modern ecosystems.
Protection and the future
Due to the loss of habitat and the impact of human activities on the ecological environment, the survival of Chai Chichuan is facing huge threats. Many species have experienced significant population declines, and protecting their natural habitats has become an important part of global conservation efforts. Scientists have begun exploring ways to protect these charming little animals, including establishing protected areas and involving local communities in conservation efforts.
"Every successful reunion is an important step forward in the conservation of Chai Chi Chuan and reminds us of our close connection with nature conservation."
Cultural significance
The mystery of Chai Chi Chuan not only attracts the interest of scientists, but is also deeply rooted in many cultural backgrounds. In Malay legend, a mouse deer is regarded as a symbol of local prosperity and has even become the national emblem of the city of Malacca. Their wise and cunning image makes them play an important role in many folk tales.
Through the study of Chai Chi Chuan, we can not only understand the wonder and diversity of nature, but also trigger profound thinking about ecological protection and the relationship between humans and nature. Faced with the challenges of global ecological change, can we find a sustainable path to protect these tiny and mysterious creatures and continue to understand the world around us?
