Questions about Chinese Water Deer

[blueboar]

Hello

Does anybody know of a good book about CWD I have the booklet by the BDS ( but not read it yet)?

Also, does any one know anything about their behaviour, grazing habits, i.e. how much vegetation a day would a singe animal eat? and do the bucks and does split up during the year, like red hind and stags do?
Do cwd actually trash reed beds? or is this just a myth? What would be the ideal number of animals per hectare/acre?

Also when is it their rut?? when the rut is happening, what sort of habitat do they like? dense vegitation or open fields or reedbeds?

The reason for these questions, is that we are just updating our CPI's (Conservation Performance Indicators) for the reserve, and the small population (12 animals and growing) we have could play a major effect for some our our key species on the reserve.


Thank you for your time and help

[aeshna5]

From the mammal "bible"- Handbook Mammals of British Isles:

Tendency to be solitary or pairs because of male aggression, groups most likely early in year when low food reserves.

Territory may be held through year by male, territory ranging from 2-15 ha.

Main rut in Dec. Most young born in May/June- twins most common. Sexually mature by 1st rut.

Feeds on tender parts of range of plants including grasses, sedges + herbs; will feed on carrots, winter wheat + weeds.

Impact on crops low, doesn't fray trees + doesn't occur in densities of Muntjac + currrently not causing any real conservation problems.

Hope this answers some of your questions.

[blueboar]

cheers

Many thanks for that.

Brilliant

bb

[Ukwildlifeo]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

From the mammal "bible"- Handbook Mammals of British Isles:

Tendency to be solitary or pairs because of male aggression, groups most likely early in year when low food reserves.

Territory may be held through year by male, territory ranging from 2-15 ha.

Main rut in Dec. Most young born in May/June- twins most common. Sexually mature by 1st rut.

Feeds on tender parts of range of plants including grasses, sedges + herbs; will feed on carrots, winter wheat + weeds.

Impact on crops low, doesn't fray trees + doesn't occur in densities of Muntjac + currrently not causing any real conservation problems.

Hope this answers some of your questions.

is that the new 2008 edition? im thinking of splashing out for it but want to check its as good first!

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Ukwildlifeo

is that the new 2008 edition? im thinking of splashing out for it but want to check its as good first!

It is- it's a hefty weight + hefty price too, but the best source of info on British mammals including rarities + escapes. If you can afford it + have a real interest in UK mammals go get it!