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The Chinese Water Deer, or Hydropotes Inermis, is a subfamily of the Water Deer. Even though the Chinese Water Deer has tusks instead of the usual antlers seen in the true deer, it is still a cervid. Due to this unique characteristic, the Chinese Water Deer ended up with its own subfamily (Hydropotinae) and genus (Hydropotes). They are very good swimmers.

These deers are usually found in China in the Yangtze River Valley, YanCheng Coastal Wetlands, and some of the fertile river bottoms of Korea. The Water Deer have also been found in Britain; they were first introduced there in the 1870s. Most of wild ones live closer to Woburn Abbey for the tall reed grasses and the rich alluvial deltas. They have been sighted in France in small, feral populations.

Though the Chinese Water Deer are similar to extinct deer in lacking antlers, scientists have shown that they evolved from deer with antlers that were gradually lost.

Most Water Deer are about 100 cm long and can be up to 55 cm high at the shoulder. They have narrow bodies, long legs, and long graceful necks. Since the hind legs are longer than the front legs, the haunches are usually higher than the shoulders, causing them to run like rabbits. The Chinese Water Deer are the only cervids to have inguinal glands and have tusks instead of antlers. The tiny tails of these deer almost can't even be seen unless held high by the male during mating season. The coats are slightly uniform, golden brown all over, and white on the bellies. Their thick winter coats and small round furry ears are adaptations to snowy cold seasons. The male tusks can grow up to two inches in length. The tusks usually grow at the first 6-7 months of age, and reach their full length at 18 months. Since the tusks are held loosly in the gums, a buck can draw them away while eating and push them outwards as a weapon to defend himself or attack.

Chinese Water Deer are quite solitary, but get very territorial during the rutting, or mating, season. Each buck marks his territory with dung piles and urine. The territories are well defended; bucks warn with a harsh bark, or attack on sight. The fights begin with both males standing together. They then swing their heads down on the others shoulder or neck, trying to harm the others neck and shoulder. These fights can get rather bloody, with skin and hair being torn and ripped away.

The Chinese Water Deer is a near threatened species.

For more information on the Chinese Water Deer, go here: http://www.ultimateungulate.co m/Artiodactyla/Hydropotes_iner mis.html

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