Water deer

The water deer (Hydropotes inermis) is a small East Asian deer distinguished by enlarged, tusk-like upper canine teeth and the absence of antlers.

Hydropotes inermis: The sole living species in the genus Hydropotes, native to East Asia. This is the scientific species name for the water deer.
Canine dimorphism: A difference in canine-tooth size or form between males and females of a species. Male water deer generally have larger, more prominent tusks than females.
Cervinae: A subfamily of deer that includes red deer, fallow deer, and their relatives. Water deer are often contrasted with antlered deer in this subfamily.
Conservation status: An assessment of a species’ risk of extinction and need for protection. Water deer are assessed as vulnerable, with habitat loss and hunting among their pressures.
Chinese water deer: The nominate subspecies of water deer, native to eastern China. It is one of the two commonly recognized subspecies in the species’ native range.
Cervidae: The mammal family comprising deer, including muntjacs, elk, and reindeer. Water deer belong to this family despite lacking the antlers typical of many members.
Territoriality: The defense of an area against other members of the same species or other intruders. Water deer use scent marking and aggression to maintain individual territories.
Muntiacinae: A deer subfamily that includes muntjacs and is noted for small antlers and enlarged canine teeth. Its tusked members provide a useful evolutionary comparison for water deer.
Invasive species: A species introduced beyond its native range that spreads and causes ecological or economic harm. Introduced water deer in Britain raise questions about impacts beyond their East Asian range.
Korean water deer: A subspecies of water deer native to the Korean Peninsula. Its range forms the other major native population grouping.

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MuntjacCompared with: Like muntjacs, males have enlarged canines, but this deer lacks antlers entirely.