Mammal
Water Chevrotain
Hyemoschus aquaticusAlso known as Fanged Deer, African Chevrotain
Water chevrotains navigate the dense understory of central and western African rainforests under cover of night, foraging solitary territories anchored along slow-moving streams. Lacking antlers or horns, males wield dagger-like upper canines that protrude past their lips to fight rivals during territorial clashes. When threatened by predators, these remarkable ungulates dive straight into rivers and submerge completely, walking along riverbeds or hiding beneath surface roots until danger passes.
NocturnalSemi-AquaticSolitary
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyFallen fruits, Forest leaves, Fungi
Predators
- Leopard
- African Golden Cat
- Crowned Eagle
ThreatsIntensive bushmeat hunting, logging, and habitat loss from agricultural encroachment
HabitatsDense lowland rainforests, gallery forests, and freshwater swamp margins bordering permanent watercourses
Life span11–14 years
Classification
- FamilyTragulidae
- SpeciesHyemoschus aquaticus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation Timing: Scout muddy riverbanks with a soft red beam after nightfall when they emerge.
- Quiet Approach: Tread lightly along waterways, as snapping twigs triggers an instant diving escape.
Predator (c) Raja bandi, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Raja bandi · cc-by
Predator John Gerrard Keulemans / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative (c) Julien Renoult, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Julien Renoult · cc-by
Close Relative (WT-de) Mistoffeles / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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