Craniometric Characteristics of the Water Deer Hydropotes inermis (Swinhoe, 1870) from a New Population in the Southern Russian Far East

The aim of this study was to obtain craniometric characteristics of the water deer Hydropotes inermis (Swinhoe, 1870) from a newly established population in the Russian Federation and to compare them with those of water deer from Central China and South Korea, as well as with those of the Siberian roe deer and the musk deer. In total, 50 cranial and mandibular measurements were recorded. A comparison with populations from Central China and South Korea revealed that deer from the Russian population are significantly larger in key craniometric parameters. We documented the developmental stages of male and female canines. Craniometric distinctions between the water deer, Siberian roe deer, and musk deer are also demonstrated.