Water Chevrotain

Africa · tiny deer · forest · fanged

Fanged forest dweller. The water chevrotain is sometimes called the fanged deer because male chevrotains have two long pointed teeth that look like tiny fangs. These teeth stick out from their upper jaw and make them look extra special.

Hides in rainforests. Water chevrotains live in the tropical rainforests and swamps of West and Central Africa, where they stay hidden among thick plants and bushes. They are very shy and hard to spot, so scientists are still learning how they live.

Smallest of the big deer. Even though water chevrotains are the largest chevrotains of all, they are still only about the size of a rabbit or very small dog. They weigh between 7 and 16 pounds, making them one of the tiniest deer-like animals on Earth.

Love water and streams. Water chevrotains get their name because they live near rivers and streams in forests and often dive into water to escape danger. They are excellent swimmers and feel right at home in wet, marshy places.

Strange ruminants. Unlike most tiny deer, water chevrotains are ruminants, which means they chew their food twice like cows and sheep do. They are also the most primitive even-toed ungulates, making them living fossils from millions of years ago.