How to identify Chinese Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis)
Types of deer UK
Chinese Water Deer are one of the smaller species or type of deer that can be found in the UK. After their introduction during the 1870’s, escapees from Whipsnade Zoo have now populated a large area of East Anglia, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire with reports of sightings being spotted further afield. Currently they are not seen throughout any other part of the UK. CWD bucks (male) can vary from 45 – 50cm in height at the shoulder and can weigh somewhere in the region of 15 – 20kg. CWD does (female) can vary from 40 – 45cm in height at the shoulder and weigh somewhere between 12 – 17kg.
Key identifying features:
· Generally described as being a russet brown colour, turning a shade of grey during the winter period.
· Chinese Water Deer have very short tails which can be difficult to distinguish and have no visible distinct marking on the rump.
· They do not have antlers but both sexes have visible ‘tusks’. The tusks on bucks are generally longer in length and more visible.
· They have very large rounded ears and during the winter months CWD are generally described to have a ‘teddy bear’ appearance due to their thick coat.
· The hind legs appear to be longer than the front legs giving them a hunched forward appearance when they walk.
Head over to our YouTube channel to view the quick and easy guide on how to identify Chinese Water Deer for beginners.
To identify Chinese Water Deer:
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