Chinese Water Deer
Footprint Images
Description
A small species intermediate between muntjac and roe deer. No antlers but large protruding tusks in bucks, which are generally only visible in adults. The tusks are used as weapons during the rut and in defence against predators. Ears large and rounded giving a "teddy bear" like appearance. Coat a russet-brown in summer pale to grey-brown in the winter. Water deer lack the white caudal patch of roe deer.
The Chinese water deer's tusks indicate that it is a very primitive form of deer. Tusks were developed as weapons by deer before antlers evolved. Chinese water deer were first kept at London Zoo in 1873 but escaped from Whipsnade Zoo after introduction there in 1929. Originally being centred around their site of escape they slowly spread to surrounding areas of suitable habitat.
Footprint Description
Cleaves appear equal, with the inside walls of cleaves being flat or very slightly convex (a diagnostic feature).The gap between cleaves is wide for such a small track. Splaying may indicate slipping or the animal travelling at speed. Sometimes dew claws are visible.
Distribution
Currently restricted to Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk with a few scattered sightings elsewhere.
Introductions into deer parks around the country, and subsequent escapes and releases, have facilitated their spread, although wet habitats in the fens of Cambridgeshire and the Norfolk Broads seem to provide them with the best habitat in which to thrive.
Footprint Size
Habitat
Reed beds, river shores, woodlands and fields. A good diversity of plants in the understorey is important.
Diet
Selective feeders that take small morsels from nutritious plants, especially herbs but may take woody browse, grasses and sedges if food is limiting.
Behaviour
Solitary except when mating, but may form pairs or small groups at high density. Bucks are particularly aggressive and do not tolerate the presence of other bucks.
Both sexes give a short bark when alarmed or as a warning. While chasing other deer, bucks make a rapid chattering sound called whickering. Whistling and squeaking is emitted by the buck as he follows a doe during courtship. Both sexes scream when chased.
Chinese water deer are active throughout the 24-hour period. The peak time of activity is around dusk. After feeding, long periods are spent "lying up", which is where the deer lies down to ruminate.
Taxonomy
Images of Tracks & Signs
Male
Primary Image
Reproduction
Bucks and does form pairs and defend territories during November and December and remain together until April. Bucks perform parallel walks with invading rivals, as do other deer species, and only fight if their dominance order is not identified using this method. Unlike antlered species, fighting in Chinese water deer rarely results in fatality but injuries are common.
Does give birth during May to July after a six to seven month gestation. Up to 6 fawns may be born, but 1 to 3 fawns is more usual.
Scientific Name
Hydropotes inermis
Female
Height
50 to 55cm at shoulder. Little variation between sexes.
Predators
Tracks & Signs Description
Juvenile
Length
Weight
11-18kg
Speed
Droppings Images
Life Span
Limited data, up to 6 years. Up to 40% of fawns die within the first four weeks of life
Also Known As
Droppings Description
Small - 0.5-1.5cm in diameter, black with round cross section. Most often deposited in regular latrines in secluded spots in reedbeds or similar.Dropped in small groups.
Status
IUCN Red Data Book listed as "lower risk, near threatened" in China. The British population is thought to account for 10% of the world's population.