Y: I just came back from the zoo, Don, and I can’t stop thinking about this deer species I saw. There was something unusual about it, but I didn’t look too closely, so I can’t figure out what. I can’t remember its name, either.
D: That’s quite the dilemma, Yaël. What did it look like?
Y: Well, it was dark brown with grayish highlights, though the tips of its ears and around the nose were white. It stood about two feet high at the shoulder. Oh, and it had a big tuft of dark fur on the top of its head, which mostly hid its stubby antlers.
D: There’s your answer! That sounds like the tufted deer. This small species lives throughout southern China, from high eastern Tibetan mountains to low coastal mountains, preferring forests and shrubby habitats. And its most interesting feature is its tusks.
Y: Yes, that’s it! That’s what was so strange. A deer with fangs!
D: Sort of. The tufted deer eats a strictly vegetarian diet of leaves, grass, and fruit, so it’s not a blood-sucking vampire. In fact, it’s a pretty shy species, usually only active around dawn and dusk, hanging out alone or in pairs.
Y: Then what’s the point of the tusks?
D: The males will use their long canines to fiercely defend their territory or fight over mates. The tusks might also act as a warning sign, saying, “Stay back” to rivals. It’s too bad, though, these tufted deer can’t fight their declining population: sadly, their species is classified as “near threatened” due to hunting and loss of habitat.
