The nickname “vampire deer” refers to two distinct species: the Tufted Deer (Elaphodus cephalophus) and the Chinese Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis). This moniker comes from the unusually long, protruding upper canine teeth, or tusks, that characterize the males of both species. Unlike most other deer, which rely on antlers for display and combat, these animals possess sharp, fang-like structures. This article explores the true nature of these unique deer, examining their herbivorous diet and the purpose of their famous tusks.
Primary Diet and Foraging Habits
Both the Tufted Deer and the Chinese Water Deer are strict herbivores, feeding exclusively on plant matter. They are highly selective feeders, often classified as concentrate selectors, meaning they seek out nutrient-rich, easily digestible vegetation. This dietary strategy is linked to their digestive systems, which are less efficient at breaking down coarse, low-quality fibrous plants compared to some larger deer species.
The Tufted Deer, a species adapted to forested, mountainous regions, primarily browses on the soft, tender parts of plants found in the understory. Their diet consists of leaves, young shoots, twigs, and fruits, with a particular preference for bamboo leaves and sprouts. They are known to consume grasses as well, making them both browsers and grazers depending on local availability. When feeding, they press their lower incisors against a hardened dental pad on the upper jaw to tear off vegetation efficiently.
The Chinese Water Deer, which favors marshy, riverine habitats, exhibits similar selective habits, focusing heavily on herbs and forbs. Their diet includes reeds, young sweet grasses, and aquatic plants found in wetlands. They will also consume woody browse and sedges when preferred food sources are scarce, especially during winter months. The leaves of various herbs can make up a significant portion of their foraging intake.
The Purpose of the Unique Canine Tusks
The prominent canines are not used for hunting or consuming food, directly contradicting the “vampire” moniker. Instead, these teeth serve as specialized weapons for ritualized combat and display between males, a clear example of sexual dimorphism. Males, or bucks, use these elongated canines to establish dominance and secure mating rights during the breeding season.
The tusks of a male Chinese Water Deer can extend up to five centimeters beyond the jawline, while those of the Tufted Deer can reach six to eight centimeters. During a territorial dispute, bucks will engage in fierce fights, attempting to slash and stab at the neck, shoulders, and flanks of their rival. These aggressive encounters are often preceded by threat displays and scent-marking of their territory.
A unique feature of the Chinese Water Deer’s canines is their mobility, which are loosely fixed within the jaw by an enlarged ligament. This flexibility allows the deer to pull the tusks back slightly when feeding to avoid interfering with chewing and rumination. For the Tufted Deer, which also possesses small, inconspicuous antlers, the tusks remain the primary and most dangerous weapon used in male-to-male competition.
Habitat and Geographic Distribution
The two species of “vampire deer” occupy distinct but overlapping geographic areas across East Asia. The Tufted Deer is primarily found across central and southern China, with its range extending into the high-altitude, mountainous forests of eastern Tibet and northern Myanmar. These deer prefer dense cover, inhabiting forested areas, bamboo thickets, and rain forests at elevations that can range from 300 up to 4,600 meters.
The Chinese Water Deer, conversely, is native to the low-lying, fertile river bottoms of the Yangtze River basin in China and the Korean Peninsula. They are strongly associated with water, favoring habitats like tall reed beds, marshes, and river shores that provide dense concealment. They are also found in open grasslands and cultivated fields, especially where there is tall vegetation nearby.
Both species share a solitary and secretive nature, typically seen alone or in small, bonded pairs outside of the mating season. The Tufted Deer is known to be crepuscular, meaning it is most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. The Chinese Water Deer’s strong swimming ability allows it to easily cross rivers and colonize remote islands within its range.