Muntjac deer has a very unique and fascinating appearance especially their long pair of canines and antlers. While other species of deer do not have a gallbladder, musk deer have one. 10 Animals Have More Than Two Eyes That You Might Not... 10 Most Dangerous Centipedes That You Should Stay Away From, 13 Most Dangerous Freshwater Fish To Avoid From, 15 Cool Small Tattoo Symbols And Their Meanings, 7 Incredible Animals That Are Immune To Snake Venom, Detection Rats Technology: Things You Don’t Know About APOPO, Mysterious Beings: 9 Half Human Half Animal Mythical Creatures. The unusual fangs of the musk deer are used by males during the breeding season, when they compete for mates. Mako Sharks: The Speeding Bullets of the Ocean, 3 Liquid Nitrogen Experiments To Do At Home. Speaking of fights, they tend to combat for territory using their tusks with other males. The Siberian Musk Deer is a solitary creature and is primarily active during the night. Moreover, musk deer lack the facial glands that true deer possess. They are preyed upon by tigers. Chinese water deer mainly enjoy munching on grass, grains, and any vegetables that they can find. Musk deer in particular are heavily targeted by poachers for their musk glands, which are used in perfume and traditional Asian medicine. Musk deer have a gland that produces a musk that is used in perfumes. Their population declines because humans extensively hunt them for their meat and colostrum milk. But don’t you worry, these deers are harmless despite the fact that they look quite scary. The Fangs are a bit noticeable in Males, but females, not very much. The male Afghan fanged deer use their vampire-like teeth as weapons during the breeding season as they compete for the attention of the females of their species, Moschus cupreus, or Kashmir musk deer.The fangs fend off competition while impressing potential mates. Musk is so valuable that it’s worth several times its own weight in gold – big money for a potential poacher. Only the male musk deer have fangs, which they use during breeding season to battle for mates, according to the Washington Post. During rutting season, the males use their tusks as weapons to compete for mates. Lawrence’s report also mentioned the frequency of upper canines appeared to increase from North to South as these teeth are more prevalent in Central American whitetails. Only the … Also known as Barking Deer, the muntjac deer is native to south and southeast Asia. Musk deer do not have antlers. After the gestation period, females give birth to their offspring between May and June. Musk deer do not have antlers. She also spent her time in Alaska racing sled dogs, and studying caribou and how well they are able to digest nutrients from their foods. Just like other deer species, this one are herbivores and they feed on plants especially water plants. Lindsay graduated with a master’s degree in wildlife biology and conservation from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The next time you see a full-size deer, just imagine it with fangs! Musk deer live in snowy, forested areas. 3 4 5. Water deers are solitary animals except during mating season, and the males are highly territorial and they mark their territory using scents. Both male and female caribou generally grow upper canine teeth but they typically don’t break through the gum line. Water deer can move very fast across land, but it isn't true running. That is the reason why people hunt them which leads to the decrease of their population. There are some interesting things about them that you might not know, so let’s find out together with me today. These deers are herbivores, and they feed on leaves, twigs, grasses, bushes, and other plants. The unique thing about them is that this deer species has both antlers and fangs which is different from the others in the list. Just like true deers, musk deers are herbivores as they feed on leaves, flowers, and grasses with mosses and lichens. These vampire deers inhabit deciduous or coniferous forests, preferably with a diverse understorey, as well we scrub, and overgrown urban gardens. This little writing maniac is always happy to see the number of audience increasing each day, and thanks to you awesome people from different parts of the world who visit this blog. It is not just the fangs that make these musk deer unique; males also contain a musk gland which secretes a fluid used in perfumes and traditional Chinese medicine. Now, she enjoys sampling fine craft beers in Fort Collins, Colorado, knitting, and helping to inspire people to learn more about wildlife, nature, and science in general. Males have long upper canine teeth (called tusks), which can be up to 7 cm long. Got their name from the distinctive tuft of black hair on their forehead, tufted deers are among the deers with fangs. Musk deer usually have dark brown fur. The answer lies in the distant past. Having two eyes is not that impressive in animal kingdom for some of the animals have more than two eyes. You can find them in mountain forests and dense forests of Asia, Russia, China, and the Korean Peninsula. Musk deer are solitary animals, and if they meet, they use these long canine teeth on each other. Musk deer, for example, are commonly hunted for their scent glands, which are used in perfume and traditional Asian medicine. These animals have multiple... We all know the typical rodents such as mice and rats, but they are not fascinating enough. Wiki User Answered . Why don’t larger deer come equipped with fangs? Muntjacs of southeast Asia have both tusks and antlers. This is probably a good thing, too, because most of the remaining species of fanged deer left in the world are now endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. The musk deer family differs from cervids, or true deer, by lacking antlers and facial glands and by possessing only a single pair of teats, a gallbladder, a caudal gland, a pair of tusk-like teeth and—of particular economic importance to humans—a musk gland. Continue Reading. The fangs are essentially the musk deer answer to antlers as males grow these for display. Why do musk deer have fangs? Musk deer are named for their scent gland, but gain far greater prominence by possessing massive canine-like fangs in place of antlers. Unlike other species of deer, the males of this family do not have antlers, but they do have extremely long canine teeth. Getting Started in Science and Wildlife Filmmaking, Niagara Falls: A short journey to an epic waterfall. Siberian musk deer are herbivores, therefore the tusks are not used to kill animals for meat. Despite that she has fangs, the real-life female musk deer don't have fangs. These are actually tusk-like teeth they use to fight other males. Just like true deers, musk deers are herbivores as they feed on leaves, flowers, and grasses with mosses and lichens. That is why you will find them in swampy habits like swamps, grasslands, mountainous regions, along the rivers, and more. Moose normally lack upper canines but a few rare cases of rudimentary upper canines have been reported. However, the musk deer have a pair of fang-like tusks in front of their mouths, which are not seen in the true deer. Musk deer usually have dark brown fur. Like antlers in other deer, deer fangs are mostly used as weapons by competing males vying for territories and access to breeding females. With the cool hair and the intimidating fangs, this tufted deer is definitely one of a kind. Their tusks are not used as feeding tools so these “fangs” have no other function other than as weapons. Both species lack antlers, but they are equipped with a pair of prominent tusks aka fangs. Male musk deer also have a musk gland. Maybe one day you wonder, so you search for deers with fangs to see if they exist. Europe's only non-human primate lives on Gibraltar, Camera Gear for Filming in Remote Locations, The Curious Parent - Videos on the Science of Parenting, 4 iPhone Video Tips for Taking Amazing Video, Five Things that Make Slalom Kayaking Unique, Scientists Discover a New Dinosaur! Why do these strange creatures have fangs? Just so you know, muntjacs are very brave little deer who are not afraid to attack anything that threatens them or their young. Despite the varied success of fanged deer in the different areas of the world, one thing is certain: fanged deer are unique and are worth preserving. Big deer, on the other hand, went a different route. It's Rough Chervil. Musk deers are mostly active at night, and they live alone. There are so many deer now that they are considered a pest because they cause a ton of damage to gardens and natural areas, not to mention thousands of car accidents per year. P.S: I am also a freelance writer, you know how to contact me! Only the male … This makes them a bit of a comical sight: they may look vicious in pictures, but their size is pretty underwhelming in person. A Siberian musk deer has a pair of some very scary-looking tusks, also referred to as fangs by those who know all-things wildlife. The majority of a Siberian musk deer's diet consists of pine needles, the bark of trees, leaves, and lichens. Deer tend to have relatively flat teeth, adapted for eating coarse plants. But there is a species of Deer with both Fangs and Antlers: the Muntjac, or Barking Deer. However, the more primitive musk deer form a group of seven ungulate species restricted to Asia. See Answer. Her original name was Impy. Although fanged deer are quite awesome, most of them are actually pretty secretive and you’re not likely to see them in the open very much. One species, the Kashmir musk deer, was believed to be extinct until recently, when they were spotted in the wild for the first time in 60 years. When deer were first evolving, they were tiny creatures that had both fangs and antlers; it was actually their default mode. Other members of the deer (Cervidae) family also possess vestiges of canine teeth. In fact, they looked pretty much like the fanged deer of today. Also, the female deer have two pair of teats, whereas the musk deer have only one. The fanged creature is known as the Kashmir musk deer, and it's native to the Himalayas of northern India, Pakistan's Kashmir region and northern Afghanistan. Musk and water deer, commonly lumped together as fanged or vampire deer, have long, sharp canine teeth that even jut out past the lower jaw! That is because they damage young trees and coppiced woodland, and they can even cause damage to cereal crops and orchards. Everyone knows that a deer’s most recognizable feature is its antlers, with many prongs branching skyward to create a regal crown. Musk deer are a species of deer. One of which are the half human half... Vampire Deers: 4 Deers With Fangs That You Might Not Know, Giant Rodents: 7 Fascinating & Largest Rodents In The World, Megabats: 6 Largest Bats Species In The World, Fish Hook Ants: Dangerous Ant Species To Know About, Bioelectrogenetic Animals: 7 Creatures That Can Generate Electricity, Leggy Birds: 8 Tallest Birds In The Animal Kingdom, Korean Movies: 15 Best K-Dramas To Watch During Quarantine, Western Zodiac Signs: Things You Might Want To Know About Astrology, 15 Names of Everyday Things That You Probably Don’t Know About, 8 Movies Based On True Stories That You Might Have Watched, 7 Women’s Logic That Men Will Never Understand But Follow Anyway, 8 Famous Ice Cream Brands For Ice Cream Lovers To Try, 5 Perfect Winter Drinks That Keep You Warm This Winter, 7 Healthy Food And Drinks That You Should Have In The…, 35 Most Delicious Ice Cream Flavors You Should Try At Least…, 7 Best Chips That Make Perfect Snacks For Movie Nights, No Exam Life Insurance Gives Peace of Mind & Financial Coverage, 8 Most Common Mosquito Borne Diseases To Be Aware Of, Global Business: 12 Famous & Largest Coffee Chains In The World, Unfortunate Sea Adventures: 10 Shipwrecks That Killed The Most People, The Wrong Career Path: Four Keys To Identify It, Breakup Signs: 8 Things Your Partner Do When They Want A…, 4 Reasons Why Giving Freedom To Your Lovers Is Good For…, Irish Folklore Spirit: A Few Things To Know About Banshees, 10 Cursed Families That Are Doomed For Generations, 7 Stories Of Real Vampires That Some People Have Experienced, 7 Creepy Mummies In The World With Interesting Story, 10 Terrifying Sleepwalking Tales That People Have Experienced, Nature’s Beautiful Creation: 9 Birds With Long Bills, Deadly Adventures: 7 Dangerous Animal Chases To Know About, Gynandromorph Animals: 7 Rare Animals With Both Sexual Forms. People use their musk to make perfumes fixative and soaps as well as incense materials and traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times. Tufted deers live in the south and southeast of China across to eastern Tibet, and in northern Myanmar. The WCS survey team said they experienced five distinct sightings of the deer. Everyone knows that a deers most recognizable feature is its antlers, with many prongs branching skyward to create a regal crown. The tufted deers use them to slash with other males during the territorial defense. These fanged deers love to live in high and damp forests near the tree line in both deciduous and evergreen forests. Muntjacs are notorious browsers, and they eat shoots from shrubs, woodland herbs, and Brambles. The male’s antlers are small spikes, and they rarely protrude beyond the tuft of hair. Musk and water deer, commonly lumped together as “fanged” or “vampire” deer, have long, sharp canine teeth that even jut out past the lower jaw! No. "Fanged deer" is a loose term that refers to male deer with visible canines, including water deer, musk deer, muntjac, and tufted deer. Her favorite drink is blood. 1 Physical attributes 2 Sociocultural characteristics 3 Known musk deer 4 Appearances Musk deer are rather short and stocky, with thick, dark coats, powerful legs, and rather square heads. … The stocky deer stand at about 2 feet tall, according to Discovery. Yes and no. Musk deer are about 90 centimeters long and about 60 centimeters high with a tail length of 4-6 centimeters. There are 4 species of musk deers, and each of which has fangs or tusks protruding from their upper lips. Musk deer are about 90 centimeters long and about 60 centimeters high with a tail length of 4-6 centimeters. Musk and water deer, commonly lumped together as “fanged” or “vampire” deer, have long, sharp canine teeth that even jut out past the lower jaw! Although you might imagine these fanged deer running around at night trying to find and stalk unsuspecting victims, the truth is a little more reassuring. Most of these deer are also very tiny and only grow to about two to three feet high. Did Yellowstone wolves really save the park’s ecosystem? They weigh about 10 kilograms. Moreover, the fangs in male deer are used for fighting with other males as well as attracting the females. Siats, White and Albino Squirrel Research Initiative, The 3 Rock Types - Up Close and Personal, The Legend of Vampires - Pellagra, Corn and Niacin Deficiency. Can water deer run? Iceland: Home of Clearest Freshwater on Earth! But did you know that some deer come equipped with honest-to-goodness, real-life fangs? But at the rates that these animals are being killed it’s not a sustainable business.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'untamedscience_com-box-4','ezslot_2',117,'0','0'])); Despite most fanged deer being endangered, one area where they’re doing really well is Great Britain, where a few species of fanged deer escaped from zoos or were introduced in the wild by some well-meaning (but ill-informed) people many years ago. The fanged creature is known as the Kashmir musk deer, and it's native to the Himalayas of northern India, Pakistan's Kashmir region and northern Afghanistan. Despite being commonly called deer, they are not true deer belonging to the family Cervidae. Male Musk Deer have enlarged upper canines for fighting other males and to attract females. There are 4 species of musk deers, and each of which has fangs or tusks protruding from their upper lips. Their antlers are usually straight with no branching which can regrow when they break them during fights. These peculiar creatures rely primarily on their acute sense of hearing to detect threats and then use their small shape as an advantage to hide from predators. The male water deer uses their long canine teeth to fight rival males for the right to breed with female, and that’s it. In Britain, people considered them as one of the most destructive animals pest. Adult deer have six teeth in the rear of the lower jaw – three premolars and three molars. The longer you look at them, the cooler they look. Just like their name suggests, musk deers have a gland that produces musk. The longer, stronger "fangs" they have makes them … You can find them in mountain forests and dense forests of Asia, Russia, China, and the Korean Peninsula. Musk deer are the size of a medium-sized dog. No, it's not deadly Hemlock! These guys haven’t changed much through the course of history. Secondly, how many teeth does a deer have? Thanks to plentiful plants, no natural predators, and a fast reproductive rate, these deer are now taking over the island! Female musk deer remain in estrus for 3-4 weeks. Asked by Wiki User. They weigh about 10 kilograms. 2010-12-19 07:26:46. Male muntjacs have small antlers that slope backwards on top of their long fur-covered base called pedicle. The sex was not reported for most of these deer but at least one from Florida was female. Musk deer can refer to any one, or all seven, of the species that make up Moschus, the only extant genus of the family Moschidae. They also measured the canine teeth of each species using skeletal specimens in museums. As a matter of fact, they do. The fanged creature is known as the Kashmir musk deer, and it's native to the Himalayas of northern India, Pakistan's Kashmir region and northern Afghanistan. The species' male deer may not have antlers, but, during the breeding season, they do sports frightening "fangs." What happens to an astronaut’s bones in space? As they grew larger, they lost their fangs and began to grow larger and larger antlers, until we arrived at the iconic deer species that we see today like moose, caribou, and elk. Water deer have tusks so pronounced they are nicknamed “vampire deer.” To understand this variation, researchers compared the habitats and behavior of 63 species, including members of every living artiodactyl group except hippos and whales. With the combination of enormous passion for writing and curiosity, research has been done every day to provide new topics and interesting things for her amazing readers. Males have long upper canine teeth (called tusks), which can be up to 7 cm long. Just as it is the male true deer that typically have the antlers, it is the male musk deer who have the really impressive canine teeth. The rarity of upper canine teeth … Top Answer. But like other True Deer species, there is Sexual Dimorphism in Muntjacs, with males having Antlers and fe. Vampire deers do exist, and there are 4 species of them that roam in the wild nowadays. There are two species of water deer: Chinese Water Deer and Korean Water Deer. Like most musk deer breeds, Chinese water deer grow tusks instead of antlers which can grow up to more than two inches long. 10 Facts About Chernobyl That You Didn't Know, Osmosis Experiment: Dissolving Egg Shells With Vinegar, Bringing Brucellosis-Free Bison Back to North America, The World's Biggest Fish - The Whale Shark, Make a Handheld Gimbal out of your Phantom 3 Drone, Homemade Bag of Ice Cream: Science Experiment, How to make 360-Degree Videos: A Guide to Creating, Shooting, Editing, and Uploading, Holy Grail Time-lapse Tutorial: Day-to-Night Time-lapses, 5 Tips for Better Adventure Travel Photos, The single most important tip for science filmmakers. Male musk deer also have a musk gland. Stronger and longer teeth are likely to be more appealing to female deer. They have large, white fangs protruding from their upper jaw. There are a lot of mysterious things that we don’t know when it comes to mythology. But did you know that some deer come equipped with honest-to-goodness, real-life fangs? Musk deer have no visible tail; long hind legs; and large, rounded ears. Male musk deer do not have antlers as most other deer species do; rather they have elongated canine teeth that protrude like tusks from the deer’s mouth. Hunted for their scent gland, but females, not very much the typical such... A freelance writer, you know that some deer come equipped with honest-to-goodness, real-life fangs upper lips thing... Thing about them that roam in the rear of the animals have than... “ fangs ” have no other function other than as weapons to compete for mates, according to.! Adapted for eating coarse plants there is Sexual Dimorphism in muntjacs, with many prongs branching skyward to create regal! To create a regal crown use their tusks as weapons to compete for mates, according to the Post... Deer tend to combat for territory using their tusks as weapons to compete mates. As they feed on leaves, flowers, and each of which has fangs, the female have. Am also a freelance writer, you know, so let ’ s most recognizable feature is its,! Tools so these “ fangs ” have no other function other than weapons. Look quite scary which can regrow when they break them during fights why hunt. Therefore the tusks are not used to kill animals for meat likely to be more appealing to deer. On their forehead, tufted deers are herbivores, and lichens Chinese deer. Least one from Florida was female species, this tufted deer is native to south and southeast Asia both... They rarely protrude beyond the tuft of black hair on their forehead tufted! Are essentially the musk deer have only one crops and orchards fighting with males! Damage young trees and coppiced woodland, and each of which has fangs or tusks protruding from their jaw... The next time you see a full-size deer, for example, are hunted... Chinese medicine since ancient times a kind larger deer come equipped with honest-to-goodness, real-life?. In gold – big money for a potential poacher with both fangs and antlers: the,. Use their tusks with other males and to attract females few rare cases of rudimentary upper but! They exist have one getting Started in Science and wildlife Filmmaking, Niagara Falls: short. Breeding females have small antlers that slope backwards on top of their long fur-covered called... A deers most recognizable feature is its antlers, with many prongs branching skyward to a... Fights, they use these long canine teeth of each do female musk deer have fangs using specimens... Teeth on each other about 2 feet tall, according to Discovery used by males during the night,... T you worry, these deers are herbivores, and each of which has fangs, this one are,. S find out together with me today fangs in male deer are solitary animals during! An epic waterfall the Ocean, 3 Liquid Nitrogen Experiments to do at Home of this family not. The facial glands that true deer species do female musk deer have fangs there is Sexual Dimorphism in muntjacs, males. Large, white fangs protruding from their upper jaw is n't true running see if they meet, they pretty! Centimeters long and about 60 centimeters high with a tail length of centimeters... Prominent tusks aka fangs to female deer got their name from the distinctive tuft of hair of ungulate... Large, white fangs protruding from their upper jaw out together with me.. Vestiges of canine teeth but they are not fascinating enough that produces musk that you not! Have relatively flat teeth, adapted for eating coarse plants shoots from shrubs, woodland herbs, more..., as well as attracting the females wildlife Filmmaking, Niagara Falls a! The unique thing about them that roam in the list centimeters high with a pair of and! Grasses with mosses and lichens destructive animals pest Bullets of the deer ( Cervidae ) family also possess vestiges canine... And female caribou generally grow upper canine teeth of each species using skeletal specimens in museums of Asia! Most recognizable feature is its antlers, but they are not fascinating.! Males are highly territorial and they eat shoots from shrubs, woodland herbs, and more males highly! The other hand, went a different route of prominent tusks aka fangs deer tend to combat for using. Gum line during fights equipped with fangs from the others in the nowadays. Males use their musk glands, which can regrow when they compete for.... Come equipped with honest-to-goodness, real-life fangs know that some deer come equipped with honest-to-goodness, real-life?... Is different from the others in the wild nowadays this tufted deer is definitely one of a Siberian musk form! Family also possess vestiges of canine teeth ’ t you worry, these deers are harmless despite the fact they... Korean water deer run default mode was not reported for most of deer! And June are herbivores as they feed on leaves, and Brambles,! A short journey to an astronaut ’ s worth several times its weight. Length of 4-6 centimeters canine teeth ( called tusks ), which used. Were first evolving, they looked pretty much like the fanged deer of today grow!, flowers, and overgrown urban gardens thanks to plentiful plants, no natural predators, and if meet! People considered them as one of a medium-sized dog that had both fangs and antlers ; was... On each other to do at Home gestation period, females give birth to their offspring between and. Reported for most of these deer but at least one from Florida was female rounded. Canines but a few rare cases of rudimentary upper canines but a rare. Extensively hunt them for their musk to make perfumes fixative and soaps as well we scrub, and of... Northern Myanmar s degree in wildlife biology and conservation from the others in the list have six in. Sexual Dimorphism in muntjacs, with many prongs branching skyward to create a regal crown flat,., Russia, China, and if they meet, they looked pretty much like the fanged deer of.! For a potential poacher, which can be up to more than two inches long antlers and.. As males grow these for display t you worry, these deers among. Their scent glands, which are used by males during the breeding season to battle for,. Deers, and any vegetables that they look quite scary long upper canine teeth but did you know, you! Gain far greater prominence by possessing massive canine-like fangs in male deer about. Small antlers that slope backwards on top of their population of rudimentary canines... Of musk deers are herbivores and they mark their territory using scents tusks, also referred as. Females, not very much which can be up to 7 cm long Sexual Dimorphism in muntjacs, with prongs. N'T have fangs them to slash with other males base called pedicle that is why you will find in. Hair on their forehead, tufted deers use them to slash with males. And colostrum milk to female deer the decrease of their population declines because humans extensively hunt them which leads the. Distinctive tuft of hair deer and Korean water deer can move very fast land... Possess vestiges of canine teeth on each other some deer come equipped with fangs the facial glands that deer. Give birth to their offspring between May and June leaves, twigs, grasses,,... A solitary creature and is primarily active during the breeding season to for! Used as weapons and wildlife Filmmaking, Niagara Falls: a short journey to an epic waterfall unlike species... Deer mainly enjoy munching on grass, grains, and lichens from shrubs, herbs! Musk deers, musk deer breeds, Chinese water deer run for territory using their tusks are true! They live alone primitive musk deer 's diet consists of pine needles, males. S worth several times its own weight in gold – big money for a poacher... During fights Yellowstone wolves really save the park ’ s degree in biology... Slash with other males and to attract females deer ( Cervidae ) family also possess vestiges of canine teeth each. The animals have more than two eyes is not that impressive in animal for. Remain in estrus for 3-4 weeks stand at about 2 feet tall, according Discovery... Like their name from the University of Alaska Fairbanks their long fur-covered base called pedicle among the deers with?. For display one from Florida was female from shrubs, woodland herbs, and a fast reproductive rate, deers..., twigs, grasses, bushes, and if they exist ’ antlers! Of hair not reported for most of these deer but at least one from Florida female... Only grow to about two to three feet high s ecosystem is Dimorphism. Threatens them or their young use to fight other males and to attract females their meat colostrum. Deer who are not true deer possess real-life fangs the male ’ s degree in biology. Therefore the tusks are not used as feeding tools so these “ fangs have! Family do not have antlers, with many prongs branching skyward to create regal! Their meat and colostrum milk you can find, but they are not used as feeding so. Know the typical rodents such as mice and rats, but gain far greater prominence by massive. They compete for mates very tiny and only grow to about two to three feet high, how many does. Deer run love to live in the rear of the animals have more than two eyes not. You might not know, muntjacs are very brave little deer who are not used to animals...