Chinese water deer

Chinese water deer are only very occasionally seen in the New Forest: they are generally restricted to Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, with a few scattered sightings elsewhere. They were introduced from China to private estates in the early part of the 20th century. Now they have become rare in China and the UK holds about 10% of the world’s population.

They prefer wet areas such as fens and marshlands with many different small plants and shrubs. It is thought that they only occasionally visit the New Forest and there is no particular place to see them. Your best chance would be any of the undisturbed wet, boggy areas, especially if there are reeds.

ID tip - Chinese water deer are small, about the size of a Labrador dog. They are one of only two deer species with no antlers. The males (bucks) have distinctive canine tusks instead. They have large, rounded ears giving them a ‘teddy bear’ appearance. Their backside is the same grey brown colour as the rest of the body, making them look all grey-brown as they run away.

Photograph credit: Elizabeth Dack

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