Chinese Water Deer

The water deer, a small deer species native to China and Korea, is truly a unique animal. Unlike most deer, it is more closely related to musk deer and lacks antlers. Instead, the water deer boasts prominent tusks, earning it the nickname "vampire deer." This distinctive appearance classifies it into its own genus and subfamily. There are two subspecies: the Chinese water deer and the Korean water deer.

These deer prefer habitats near rivers and swamps in their native regions. They are excellent swimmers and have even been reintroduced to locations such as Shanghai, the UK, France, and the United States. In South Korea, water deer are thriving due to the scarcity of natural predators. In the UK, they were introduced in the 1870s and have since established flourishing populations, with their range steadily increasing, as reported by the British Deer Society.

Water deer are easily identified by their long canine teeth protruding from their upper jaw, particularly in males. They are quite territorial, with males marking their areas and using their tusks to fight during the mating season. They communicate through a variety of sounds, including barks, clicks, whistles, and squeaks. In terms of reproduction, water deer are polygynous, with males courting females through scent marking and quick mating. Interestingly, they are the most prolific of all deer species, with females typically giving birth to two or three young.

Despite being listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, water deer populations are stable in certain areas, such as South Korea. Conservation efforts are ongoing in various countries to ensure the survival of this fascinating species.