The Chinese Water Deer, Hydropotes inermis, is a small deer species known for the males possessing long, tusk-like canine teeth, which has earned the species the nickname “vampire deer.” Unlike most other deer, neither the males nor the females ever grow antlers. The species is notable for the small size of its offspring, which are significantly smaller than the parents. This diminutive size upon birth is a crucial factor in the fawn’s immediate survival strategy.
Specific Measurements of the Newborn
The size of a newborn Chinese Water Deer is remarkably small. At birth, a fawn typically weighs less than 1 kilogram, or approximately two pounds, comparable to the mass of a small loaf of bread.
The average adult female, or doe, weighs between 9 to 14 kilograms, meaning the fawn represents a very small fraction of its mother’s body weight. While a typical birth involves twins or triplets, the doe can give birth to a large litter, occasionally producing up to seven young at one time. One study noted that male fawns may weigh around 731 grams, while female fawns may be slightly heavier at approximately 1,035 grams. This small stature ensures the fawn can be easily concealed in dense vegetation, which is crucial given its extreme vulnerability in its first hours of life.
Distinctive Physical Traits of the Fawn
The newborn’s physical appearance is perfectly adapted for camouflage. The coat is a reddish-brown or dark chestnut color, featuring a pattern of white spots and stripes. These light markings often appear in parallel longitudinal lines along the body, creating a dappled effect.
This cryptic coloration allows the fawn to blend seamlessly into the dense, reedy habitat preferred by the species. The spots gradually fade as the fawn matures, eventually transitioning to the more uniformly colored adult coat of golden brown or grayish-brown. The fawn also lacks visible tusks; the characteristic enlarged canine teeth of the adults only begin to emerge around six to seven months of age.
Early Survival and Rapid Growth
The small size of the newborn mandates a survival strategy known as “hiding.” Within an hour of being born, the fawn is able to stand, but it quickly moves to dense cover and remains concealed and immobile for the first few weeks of life. The mother leaves her young hidden in vegetation, returning only periodically to allow them to nurse.
This behavior minimizes the risk of detection by predators, as the mother’s frequent presence could draw unwanted attention to the vulnerable young. The fawns exhibit an exceptionally fast growth rate. They are typically weaned by the time they reach two months of age, though they may remain close to their mother for up to six to eight months. This rapid development allows them to achieve sexual maturity, often by five to eight months of age.