Many people, when they first see a water deer in a photo, conclude that this is the result of Photoshop or an invention of animators. However, such an animal actually exists and represents a majestic family of deer.
Features of water deer
The water deer belongs to the group of hornless artiodactyls, which undoubtedly distinguishes it from other deer. Instead of horns, this herbivorous species grows two canines, which, with the help of the facial muscles, the animal can freely control, activating them during mating games to fight competitors and in times of danger. The length of the canines in males is usually 5 to 8 centimeters, in females it is slightly less.
Water deer are stubborn and hardy animals. They are ready to travel hundreds of kilometers to find their pasture. Being excellent swimmers, deer successfully swim across rivers and lakes that they meet on their way to the cherished greenery.
Water deer can be called owners, they will never let strangers into their territory, which they periodically mark, plucking grass around the perimeter of the selected area. In marking the boundaries, they are assisted by the glands between the fingers, which produce a special odorous liquid.
These animals usually lead a solitary or paired lifestyle and become sociable only during the mating period. The sounds they make are produced by the clicking of the molars. They also know how to whistle, squeal and even give signals that resemble a dog barking.
Habitat
You can meet this type of deer in the east of China along the shores of lakes and rivers. Also popular are the Yangtze River Delta and the Korean Peninsula. They graze in thickets of foothills and reeds or in plowed fields surrounded by soft sown soil.
Appearance
Water deer are very similar to roe deer. They can be recognized by their small stature (body length no more than 100 cm, animal height about 50 cm, weight within 15 kg), muscular physique and, of course, long and curved fangs. They also have a small tail, on average up to 8 cm. The ears of the animal are short, rounded. The hind legs of a water deer are much more powerful than the front ones.
The color of the fur of water deer is brown-brown, sometimes interspersed with black, the upper lip is always white. In summer, these animals molt, and in winter they have soft warm wool, reaching 40 mm in length.
Poaching, as well as the destruction of the habitats of water deer, are the main threats to this species, which is considered to be vulnerable to extinction. In the wild, there are only 10 thousand individuals and they live in a limited area.
