“Vampire deer,” also known as musk deer, are not legendary creatures, but real deer with prominent upper canine teeth. These surprisingly adorable little animals have fang-like teeth similar to those of vampires, but they do not use them to feed on flesh.
The tusks are mainly used to defend oneself from other males or predators and, during the mating season, they replace the antlers present in other deer species. While the fangs may seem intimidating, these creatures are curious and harmless and these fangs are merely a unique evolutionary adaptation, demonstrating how nature finds different solutions for survival.
The main species
Among the best known species we find Hydropotes inermis, native to China and Korea, introduced into the United Kingdom in the 19th century. This deer has canines up to 10 cm long, curved downwards, used in fights between males during courtship. Another species is Moschus spp., widespread in the Himalayas and eastern Asia, with similar tusks but no horns. Other species include Elaphodus cephalophus and Muntiacus spp., with smaller tusks and similar territorial behaviors.
Habitat and behavior
Vampire deer live in different environments: Hydropotes inermis frequent humid and intertidal areas, are excellent swimmers and very territorial. Moschus spp., on the other hand, prefer wooded and mountainous terrain, where they move nimbly by jumping between steep slopes. Both species use their tusks as tools of defense and competition, demonstrating that nature can replace horns with specialized teeth when the environment requires it.
Conservation and threats
These species face several threats. The Moschus spp. they are hunted for their moss-producing glands, used in traditional medicine and cosmetics, often with fatal consequences. Habitat loss, agricultural development and climate change further aggravate the situation. Although Hydropotes inermis are relatively stable in Korea due to the absence of natural predators, in other areas they remain vulnerable and at risk of extinction.
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