The Chinese Water Deer - Hanya Awan

Introducing the Chinese Water Deer: Yangtze Deer

Many individuals do not know that there are many species of deer, which include deer who are called “water deer,” because of their unique geographic location, habits, and features. Native to the Chang Jiang flood plain and some parts of Korea, the Chinese water deer is more closely related to a musk deer than a true deer. The males of this species have no antlers but instead, they develop and grow certain long tusk-like canines, giving the breed the fearful nickname of “vampire deer.” As many individuals assume they are violent, that statement has been false to their intentions and life cycle habits. The tusks are ornamental [more for display] and are utilized to root around for food and sources of nutrition in the area. In fact, even though the nickname contradicts itself, these deers are not after human blood and are more likely to prefer nibbling on weeds, grasses, and soft herbs. To identify their unique features, these Chinese water deer usually resemble a near ginger/brown colour and lack the white rump seen in other species. They contrast in sizing because they are larger than a muntjac deer for example but slightly smaller in height than a roe deer. Their large fluffy, soft ears and small black nose give them a teddy bear-like appearance. The male possesses some rather than threatening-looking tusks in place of canine teeth, which are used for displaying and rutting with other males in the breeding season. The Chinese water deer is not well known internationally because of its distinct location and small population. These water deer (Hydropoteis inermis) are exceedingly small Asian deer from the family Cervidae (order Artiodactyla) are native to fertile river bottoms within the borders of Korea and the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang), a valley in China. Although these water deer heavily resemble extinct primitive deer in lacking antlers, they have evolved over time from ancestors with antlers that were eventually lost. Scientists have concluded that based on their morphology and anatomy; they are new world deer and are modern. Males stand about 50 cm (about 1.64 ft) [20 inches] tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 13 kg [24 pounds]. Their tails are very short and there is no rump path scientists have studied that because of their course, thick coat and fur-covered ears, these physical features are indications of adaptations due to cold, snowy winters. As water deer live in a small and enclosed border, they take many actions and precautions that make them able to evade and isolate from any nearby harmful predators. For example, the water deer rely on hiding and the male tusks are used to defend their territories. Water Deers prefer to drink from streams and rely on natural vegetation that grows along river bottoms. There are an immense variety of course-fibred grasses that serve the purpose of both food and cover. Their breeding seasons are during a variety of months such as extending from early November to February, and their fawning season lasts from late April to the middle of June. Despite their low population, water deer are able to give birth to several offsprings at a single time. These offsprings from the water are light in mass and commonly weigh less than 1 kg (2 pounds) at birth. They hide quickly and remain out of sight. Even though water deer live in both nations of Korea and China, there are two sub-species of water deer. In fact, the first is the Hydropotes inermis inermis which live in their habitats of China near the Yangtze River. Next, the Hydropotes inermis argyropus, live in Korea [scientific name]. There are exceedingly small or no differences between the breeds in terms of habitats and physical features, but the Korean water deer might be slightly more reddish-brown than “true” brown, and evidence suggests that they might be smaller but have no main differences and their genetic makeup is almost identical. Although the main species originates from Asia, water deer have also taken up residence recently in France, Argentina, England, and some parts of the United States. They were first imported to Great Britain in the 1800’s timeline [1870s] and in terms of escapes, transfers, and breeding programs, they have managed to populate in different areas overseas. Thus, water deer should be more acquired in knowledge for more research purposes.

Works Cited

“45 Chinese Water Deer Facts: Fanged and Cuddly Vampire Deer.” Everywhere Wild, 7 May 2019, everywherewild.com/chinese-water-deer/.

August 2020, Peter Moore | 27. “13 Strange and Cute Animals You’ve Never Heard Of.” Wanderlust, www.wanderlust.co.uk/content/animals-you-ve-never-heard-of/.

“Chinese Water Deer.” CRITTERFACTS, 5 Oct. 2020, critterfacts.com/chinesewaterdeer/.

“Chinese Water Deer | Mammal | Britannica.” Www.britannica.com, www.britannica.com/animal/Chinese-water-deer#:~:text=It%20is%20the%20only%20species. Accessed 1 May 2022.

“Water Deer - Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio.” Animalia.bio, animalia.bio/water-deer.