Species of the Week: Chinese Water Deer

Species of the Week:
Chinese Water Deer(Hydropotes inermis)

1. The adults weigh about 10-18kg and reach up to 55cm in height.
2. Instead of antlers these deer have small protruding tasks emerging from their mouth, earning them the nickname "vampire deer".
3. They are usually found near water bodies and their preferred habitat is reed beds, river shores, woodlands and fields.
4. They tend to be solitary animals, unless they are found in extreme high intensities in which case they may form pairs.
5. They usually feed on herbs and other nutritious plants.
6. Their tusks can grow up to 8cm with an average of about 5.5-6 cm.
7. They can live up to 10-12 years.
8. Their mating session is during November to December where the annual rut takes place.
9. Their gestation period lasts about 180 to 210 days and they produce from 1-7 young with the norm being two or three.
10. They are listed as "Vulnerable"in the IUCN but are abundant in some areas of the world.