Water Chevrotain
Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Hyemoschus aquaticus
Population size
278,000
Life Span
8-13 years
Weight
7-16
15.4-35.2
kglbs
kg lbs 
Height
35
14
cminch
cm inch 
Length
60-100
23.6-39.4
cminch
cm inch 

The water chevrotain (Hyemoschus aquaticus ), also known as the fanged deer, is a small ruminant found in tropical Africa. It is the largest of the 10 species of chevrotains, basal even-toed ungulates which are similar to deer, but are barely larger than small dogs.

Appearance

The Water chevrotain is a small ungulate native to the tropical regions of Africa. It is the largest of the 10 species of chevrotains, which are similar to deer but are barely larger than small dogs. Water chevrotains have a rich, sleek, red-brown coat on top, and the underside of the coat is white. On the body is a pattern of white stripes that runs horizontally from the shoulder to the tail, with vertical rows of white stripes in the back. The chin, throat, and chest are covered in very coarse hair with a pattern of white V shapes. The legs look short and thin compared to the bulky body, and the hooves are similar to a pig's. The tail is short with a fluffy white underside that resembles a cotton ball. Unusually for most mammals, female Water chevrotains are larger than males.

Distribution

Geography

Water chevrotains primarily live in the coastal regions and can be found from Sierra Leone to western Uganda. They occur in closed-canopy, moist, tropical lowland forest, and within this habitat, they only occupy areas within close range to streams or rivers.

Water Chevrotain habitat map

Climate zones

Water Chevrotain habitat map
Water Chevrotain
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Habits and Lifestyle

Water chevrotains are exclusively nocturnal and forage for food in exposed clearings and open river banks at night. To locate food these animals rely on their sharp sense of smell. During the day, Water chevrotains hide in the dense cover of the African brush. They lead a solitary life and interact with each other only during the mating season and antagonistic encounters. Males fight other males, mainly over territory. Their fights are typically short, and in them, the two competing males run at each other, mouths open. They poke each other with their muzzles and bite. These aggressive fights are thought to be the reason that mature males normally live no closer than several kilometers apart. Water chevrotains make several different noises, which include a scream when wounded and an alarm bark. When females fight, they make a high-pitched chattering noise, and when pursuing a female, a male makes a noise through a closed mouth.

Seasonal behavior

Diet and Nutrition

Water chevrotains are mainly herbivores (frugivores) and fallen fruits, such as figs, palm nuts, and breadfruit make up the majority of their diet. However, they may also eat insects, crabs, and even scavenge meat and fish.

Mating Habits

REPRODUCTION SEASON
year-round
PREGNANCY DURATION
7-9 months
BABY CARRYING
1 young
INDEPENDENT AGE
5-27 months

Water chevrotains may breed throughout the year. After the gestation period of 7-9 months, the female gives birth to a single young which is born fully-developed (precocial) and is able to stand shortly after birth. The young remains hidden in cover for 3-6 months visited by the mother to nurse. Reproductive maturity is achieved at 17 months of age in females and between 5 and 27 months in males; at this time Water chevrotains become independent and disperse from their mother's home range.

Population

Population threats

According to recent evidence, the population of the Water chevrotain is declining in some areas due to habitat loss and heavy hunting for food.

Population number

According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Water chevrotain is 278,000 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List but its numbers today are decreasing.

Fun Facts for Kids

  • The word "chevrotain" comes from the French word chevrot (kid or fawn), which is derived from the Middle French chèvre (goat).
  • The body of the Water chevrotain is always bent down toward the front; this is because its back end is higher than the shoulders and has many powerful muscles.
  • Water chevrotains hold their head down toward the ground while walking because this allows them to navigate easily through thickets of dense brush.
  • Water chevrotains have a layer of thick, reinforced skin on their dorsal surface, which protects the back from injuries caused by the thick brush.
  • The Water chevrotain is the only member of the chevrotain family known to eat carrion.

Coloring Pages

References

1. Water Chevrotain on Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_chevrotain
2. Water Chevrotain on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/10341/50188841

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