Chinese Water Deer

The scientific name (Hydropotes inermis) of this unusual small deer translates as ‘unarmed water-drinker’, referring to the Chinese water deer’s lack of antlers and its liking for marshy habitats. Instead of antlers, the male Chinese water deer bears enlarged upper canine teeth, which form long, slightly curved tusks that measure up to eight centimetres in length and protrude like fangs from the side of the mouth. The female Chinese water deer is slightly smaller than the male, with much smaller canines. The coat of this species is rather thick and coarse, and is reddish-brown is summer and more greyish in winter, with whitish underparts. The ears are short and rounded, the legs are relatively long and slender, and the tail is reduced to a stump. Young Chinese water deer are darker brown than the adults, with white spots and stripes on the upper back. As its name suggests, the Chinese water deer is an adept swimmer, and may swim between islets in search of food and shelter. Most active in the morning and evening, the Chinese water deer usually hides in dense vegetation during the day. If disturbed, it will run with a distinctive series of rabbit-like leaps, and may emit a harsh warning bark or a shrill shriek. The diet of the Chinese water deer includes grasses, reeds, sedges and other wetland plants, and its grassland habitat is often subject to fires, which stimulate the growth of new grass shoots. The male’s elongated canine teeth are able to move in their sockets, helping the animal to feed more easily, and also reducing the risk of the teeth breaking during fights.