The name "mouse-deer" refers to its small size and does not imply that it is a true deer. It is called "greater" because it is larger than other Tragulus species which is known as the “lesser” mouse deer. Major threats to T. napu are overhunting by humans and loss of habitat through rapid deforestation. These species have a small population and a limited habitat, so they meet the conditions of “critically endangered”.                                                                                                                  

    The mousedeer is well-known in Malay stories as the wily ‘sang kancil’ that always manages to outwit large predators like the crocodile and the tiger.