Water Chevrotain by Ghirin

Water Chevrotain

Author: Ghirin

The water chevrotain (Hyemoschus aquaticus) is the largest species of chevrotain and is native to the African rainforest. It is the size of a large rabbit, has an arched back, a raised rump, and a stocky body on slender legs. Neither sex has antlers, but the males have sharp tusks that extend below the upper lips. They have short, brown fur with pale spots and stripes on the head and neck to serve as camouflage. The head is pointed with large eyes, slit-like nostrils, and medium-sized ears.

Water chevrotains are true ruminants and are considered to be living links between the deer and the pigs. They feed mainly on fruits, leaves and buds, with occasional animal matter.

These animals are usually solitary. Females occupy a limited home range while the range of males usually overlaps the range of two females. While females stay within their home ranges for life, males are regularly expelled from their home ranged by other males.

Water chevrotains are active only at night, with females being more active than males. During the day, they rest under thick vegetation. At night, these animals come to river banks and clearings to forage. They may retreat to water as means of escape, but they do not remain in water for prolonged periods of time

Created by Ghirin 2004

Updated 2010-11-11

Just to save space with less in zip and smaller image.

Nothing new.