Introduced to parks such as Whipsnade and Woburn from north-east China early this century the Chinese Water Deer escaped and has populated the surrounding area for a considerable distance. Can be present in an area for quite a while before being correctly identified, often being confused with muntjac or roe. Prefers a habitat of marshy ground and reed beds to dry land.

The coat is a bright chestnut shade in the summer, dulling considerably in the winter. Unlike all other British Deer, the Chinese Water Deer does not have antlers. There is only one other species of deer in existence today that does not have antlers, this is the Musk Deer. The buck grows very long upper canine teeth or tusks with which he often inflicts severe injuries upon his rivals. The doe also grows canine teeth but these are much shorter than those of the buck and inconspicuous.

The rut takes place in late November/December and the male will drive away any intruding bucks from his territory. The buck has a deep resonant call which he uses when herding together his does and he will make an appealing squeaking noise when following a particular doe. When really frightened, for instance if being chased by a dog, buck or doe will emit a screaming high-pitched bark.

The average litter of fawns born to these deer is two or three but up to six have been recorded. The fawns weigh approximately 0.8kg at birth and are fully grown at about six months old. Whilst very small however, they fall prey to a range of predators including stoats, foxes and uncontrolled dogs.

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