Hyemoschus Aquaticus, commonly known as the water chevrotain, is a small and elusive mammal native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa. It belongs to the family Tragulidae and is the only member of the genus Hyemoschus. The water chevrotain is also sometimes referred to as the "fanged deer" due to its elongated canine teeth.
Measuring approximately 50 to 60 centimeters in length and weighing between 5 and 10 kilograms, the water chevrotain is one of the smallest hoofed mammals in the world. It has a stocky build with slender legs, which enables it to maneuver swiftly through dense vegetation and even swim gracefully.
The water chevrotain inhabits the undergrowth of the rainforests, particularly near bodies of water such as swamps and rivers. It is predominantly herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant matter such as leaves, fruits, and shoots. Despite its small size, this mammal plays a significant ecological role in seed dispersal.
Due to its secretive nature and habitat preference, the water chevrotain is rarely seen by humans, making it somewhat enigmatic. It has a reddish-brown or dark brown coat with white markings on its face and legs, serving as camouflage against predators.
Conservation of the water chevrotain is a concern, as the destruction of its rainforest habitat poses a significant threat to its population. Additionally, it is vulnerable to hunting for bushmeat, further exacerbating the need for protective measures to ensure its survival.
