Originally from China and Korea, they have been introduced and are now wild in England and France. They are relatively small in size and lack antlers. The most startling feature, especially in the males, are the extraordinary large canine teeth, becoming more saber-like than ordinary deer canines. They are mostly solitary, with the males using their long tusks to inflict wounds on other males in close proximity.

Despite their unsociable behavior, the Chinese water deer alert each other to approaching danger through a brief barking that serves as a warning vocalization. The alarm cry is shrill. When a Chinese water deer is disturbed, it humps its back and travels by a series of leaps.

In the wild, the Chinese water deer is heavily hunted in order to obtain colostrum, which is sold for use in folk medicine. Colostrum milk, characterized by high protein and antibody content, is secreted for a few days after the deer gives birth.

Size: 6.5" Long 3" Wide 3" High (2.5" tusks)
Diet: Herbivore
Origin: Asia

Class:Mammalia Order:Artiodactyla Family:Cervidae