Wildlifeof China
Water Deer
Deer & Chevrotains
Photo: Snowyowls · CC BY-SA 2.0
Hydropotes inermis
Basic stats
Diet
Reeds, herbs, forbs, young grasses, vegetables and beets
Habitat
River margins, reed beds, marshes, grassland and cultivated fields
Range
Lower Yangtze Basin of China and the Korean Peninsula
Litter size
Usually 2–3; exceptionally up to 6
Gestation period
170–210 days
Size
77.5–100cm
Weight
12–18.5kg
The Chinese water deer is a small, antlerless deer measuring 77.5–100cm and weighing 12–18.5kg. Its thick coat is yellowish brown above and white below. Both sexes possess enlarged upper canine teeth, but those of adult males project as curved tusks as much as 52mm beyond the jaw and serve as weapons during territorial fights. The species also has small facial scent glands, an unusual feature among deer. (Animal Diversity Web)
Native populations occupy the lower Yangtze Basin and the Korean Peninsula, using reed beds, river margins, marshes, grassland and cultivated fields with sufficient cover. Water deer are usually solitary or occur in pairs, and males defend territories using scent marks and their canine teeth. They select comparatively nutritious, low-fibre plants such as herbs, forbs, young grasses and reeds. Gestation lasts approximately 170–210 days; litters of two or three are usual, although larger litters have been reported. (Animal Diversity Web)
Quick answers
- What does the Water Deer eat?
- Reeds, herbs, forbs, young grasses, vegetables and beets
- What habitat does the Water Deer live in?
- River margins, reed beds, marshes, grassland and cultivated fields
- Where is the Water Deer found?
- Lower Yangtze Basin of China and the Korean Peninsula
- What is the litter size of the Water Deer?
- Usually 2–3; exceptionally up to 6
- How long is the gestation period of the Water Deer?
- 170–210 days
- How big is the Water Deer?
- 77.5–100cm
- How much does the Water Deer weigh?
- 12–18.5kg