Sri Lankan spotted chevrotain

Ceylon Kantschil

The Ceylon Kantschil ( Moschiola meminna ) is an even-toed ungulate from the kind of stain Kant Chile within the family of the mouse deer. It is found in Sri Lanka.

Features

The head -body length is 55 to 60 centimeters, the tail length of 2-5 cm and weight of adult animals 2 to 4.5 kilograms. The coat color and the speckle pattern is similar to the India - Kantschil, however, the upper patch series merges not to a complete strip on the shoulder. The body size is small, the hind legs are relatively long and the side toes small.

Occurrence and habitat

The Ceylon Kantschil inhabits the dry zone of Sri Lanka. In contrast to the Kantschil - species found in deciduous vegetation formations, there are few specific information about the habitat of the Ceylon Kantschils. It is primarily forest dwellers and is generally but found in all forest types within the dry zone in coconut plantations and gardens. He is never far away from water surfaces.

Way of life

Little is known about his life. One specimen in captivity reached an age of 14.5 years. Similar to the India - Kantschil is the type mainly crepuscular and nocturnal.

Status

The Ceylon Kantschil is classified by the IUCN in the category " not at risk " ( least concern ). A large number of these animals lives in well-secured protected areas within the dry zone. The impact of forest degradation and fragmentation are probably not serious because the Ceylon Kantschil is adapted to survive in gardens and coconut plantations. The Ceylon Kant Chile are hunted for their meat. In the dry zone of Ceylon Kantschil is moderately frequent and outside the protected areas.