The greater mousedeer is a larger cousin of the lesser mousedeer. It occurs in tall, primary forest, secondary forest and, in some areas, disturbed forest. In contrast to the lesser mousedeer it appears to be mainly nocturnal in habits.

Various features help to distinguish between the two species in the field. Firstly, the greater mousedeer is significantly larger weighing up to 3.5 kg, whilst the lesser mousedeer weighs up to 2.5 kg. Secondly, the fur of the greater mousedeer appears longer and more coarse than the other species, with orange to buff fur with blackish tips. Lastly, the white markings on the throat and upper chest are different to the lesser mousedeer: there is an extra short white stripe under the chin, above the long, inverted chevron.

Like its smaller cousin, the greater mousedeer feeds on fallen fruits, young shoots and forest herbs.

This species is somewhat less wide-ranging than the lesser mousedeer, occurring in Burma, southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore (Pulau Ubin), Sumatra, Borneo and the Philippines (Palawan).