Mammals
Water Deer
Hydropotes inermis · also called Chinese water deer
Flashing a pair of long, visible tusks rather than a rack of antlers, a water deer stands apart from every other deer species on Earth, a wetland specialist sometimes nicknamed the vampire deer for its unusual fighting equipment.
Overview
The water deer, Hydropotes inermis, is a wetland-dwelling deer native to grassland and marsh habitat across parts of China and Korea. Its complete lack of antlers unique among all deer species, prominent visible tusks used in fighting, and unusually large litters make it one of the most biologically distinctive deer found anywhere in the world.
The only antlerless deer alive
While every other deer species relies on some form of antler, the water deer has abandoned them entirely, fighting instead with a pair of long tusks that make it one of the most anatomically unusual members of the entire deer family.
Status
Vulnerable, having declined in parts of its native range due to habitat loss despite stable introduced populations elsewhere.
Water Deer: common questions
Why doesn't the water deer have antlers?
This species is the only deer species entirely without antlers in either sex, relying instead on long, visible tusks in males used for fighting rivals, a trait unique within the wider deer family.
Why is the water deer nicknamed the vampire deer?
This species is sometimes nicknamed the vampire deer because of its prominent visible tusks, an unusual and memorable feature that stands out clearly compared to most other deer species.
How many young does the water deer typically have?
This species gives birth to unusually large litters for a deer, sometimes numbering several fawns at once, a stark contrast to the single fawn typical of most other deer species.
Where does the water deer live?
This species is native to wetland and grassland habitat across parts of China and Korea, a strong association with water reflected directly in its common name.