The Chinese Water Deer is a small deer native to China and Korea, with no wild population in the United States. Both sexes lack antlers, and males have long, tusk-like teeth that project from the mouth.
Appearance
Appearance
Both sexes lack antlers. Males have conspicuous curved upper tusk-like teeth; adults are about 2.5–3.3 ft (0.78–1 m) long and weigh about 26–41 lb (12–18.5 kg).
Voice
A short bark can warn other water deer of danger.
Where it lives
Typical habitats
reedbeds
river valleys
wet meadows
farm fields
Range
Its native range is in China and the Korean Peninsula. Introduced populations live in England; it is not native to the United States.
Preferred conditions
It uses tall vegetation for cover and often lives near wetlands, though it also occupies drier grassland and cultivated fields.
Behavior
Diet
It selects tender herbs, young grasses, reeds, and other plant foods rather than relying only on coarse mature grass.
Activity
It hides quietly in dense vegetation and is a strong swimmer.
Social life
Water deer are usually solitary or found in pairs rather than in large herds.
Life cycle
Breeding season
In China, mating occurs from November through January, and most fawns are born in May or June.
Gestation
Pregnancy lasts about 170–210 days.
Litter size
Litters are often two or three fawns, though larger litters have been reported.
Name and classification
About the name
Two are commonly recognized: the Korean Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) and the Chinese Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis inermis). It is also called the water deer.
Conservation
IUCN Red List
VUVulnerable·High risk of extinction in the wild
Status
Its status differs sharply across the range: it is scarce in much of China but remains common in South Korea.
Culture and stories
Culture and stories
The nickname “vampire deer” refers to the visible tusk-like teeth, not to its diet.