A possible Chinese Water Deer seen Friday in a garden in Caps Lane. No description given by the observer so cannot verify the sighting.
This species is making inroads in the UK moving from strongholds in Norfolk and the east and following river valleys south and west.
There have been a handful of Oxfordshire records.
Although it may well have been a (Reeve’s) Muntjac but we may never know unless we get a confirmed sighting.
Reeve’s Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer are very similar in general appearance.
Slightly larger than Muntjac and have no white on the rump. They have no antlers and have large canine teeth. That give them the nickname of “Vampire Deer”.
Adult male Muntjac have protruding canines, but not as prominent.
CWD also have a broader face, larger ears, a black nose and white chin.
Photos courtesy "The Wildlife Trusts"
Chinese Water Deer ↕
Reeve's Muntjac Deer
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