MAMMAL TAXIDERMY

Can I Mount a... WHAT?!

WATER CHEVROTAINS (Hyemoschus aquaticus), are members of the Tragulidae or mouse-deer family, and are beginning to be collected as trophies by hunters. Their hunchback appearance and behavior remind me more of South American agoutis than deer. Neither sex has antlers, but males have well developed canine teeth forming sharp tusks. Chevrotains, primarily herbivores, are among the smallest ruminants in the world. Males are smaller than females and both sexes are mainly nocturnal. This article shares ideas about mounting a specimen for which no commercial forms are available.

The female chevrotain mounted in this article came from Liberia. A salted skin and damaged skull, along with photographs from the internet, provided some reference. Information gathered provided clues about this unique mammal's anatomy, for example, it has heavy hindquarters and short thin legs. A small, pointed head attaches to a short neck and stocky body on slender legs, and resembles a cane rat rather than a suni antelope. The collector, Fred Morris, was unable to take detailed photographs to aid in the mounting process because of rain and nighttime conditions. Hair patterns and skin markings aided in making proper measurements.

The skin was tanned and prepared using the Lutan-F method, followed by careful thinning of the nose, lips, and eyelids. The ears are delicate and were gently skinned working with fingers more than a knife. The skin on the hindquarters was unusually...

...Continued in the Winter 2002 Issue of Breakthrough.

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