WILDLIFE – CHINESE WATER DEER

The Chinese Water Deer – Hydropotes inermis

Chinese water deer are non native being introduced to the UK in 1873 by London Zoo. Individual deer escaped from private collections in the early 20th century and have now established a wild population here that now accounts for around 10 % of the world’s total. Chinese water deer are a small deer species around .5m tall . When fully grown bucks weigh between 11 to 18kg They are a brown colour for most of the year, their coat turning a dull grey in winter.

Male water deer are called bucks, females does and the young fawn.

Water deer do not have antlers but have prominent tusks. Both males and females have tusks but these are shorter, less visible in the does. The tusks are used for display and as weapons in a similar way to antlers in other deer species. Preferred habitats include reed beds, river shores, woodlands and fields making the wet fenlands of Cambridgeshire and Norfolk ideal.

During the rut bucks and does form pairs and defend territories during November and December remaining together until April. Unlike antlered species, fighting in Chinese water deer rarely results in fatalities but injuries are common. Water deer are solitary except when mating but may form pairs or small groups at high density. Bucks are particularly aggressive and do not tolerate the presence of other bucks. Both sexes give a short bark when alarmed or as a warning.

Young are born dark brown with white stripes and spots along their upper torso

While chasing other deer, bucks make a rapid chattering sound called ‘whickering’. During courtship, a buck emits whistles and squeaks. Both sexes scream when chased. Does give birth from May to July after a six to seven-month gestation. They can produce up to six fawns but one to three is more usual. Up to 40% of fawns die within the first four weeks of life. Lifespan is estimated at up to six years.

Conservation status

In the UK, all wild deer species, including the Chinese water deer are protected under the Deer Act 1991 (and the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 in Scotland). This legislation primarily regulates how and when deer can be managed or humanely culled, rather than making them a fully protected.The law prohibits illegal activities like poaching and the use of certain inhumane methods of killing. It also mandates “close seasons” during which female deer are protected while pregnant or raising young, and male deer are protected while their antlers are growing.