What is a common range for the number of young born in a single litter to a female water deer?

Answer

Litters ranging from two up to eight, with three or four common.

The reproductive strategy of the female Chinese water deer, or doe, results in relatively large litters compared to many other deer species found in temperate climates, which typically produce only one or two offspring. The gestation period lasts about six months, after which the doe usually gives birth to a substantial number of young. The typical litter size can range widely, encompassing anywhere from two up to eight fawns, though a size of three or four is cited as commonly observed. This higher reproductive output may be an evolutionary compensation mechanism suited to environments potentially characterized by higher predation risks or greater variability in resource availability.

What is a common range for the number of young born in a single litter to a female water deer?

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