Hydropotes inermis (Cervidae), a new species for the Russian fauna registered in the land of leopard national park (Russia)

Abstract

On 1 April 2019, a water deer, Hydropotes inermis, was registered by photo-trap in the Land of Leopard National Park in the south part of Khasansky district (Primorsky Krai, Russia). This Cervidae species has been found for the first time in the fauna of both Russia and the former USSR. In addition, the Deputy Director of the Hunchun State Nature Reserve confirmed the migration of water deer from North Korea to China in May and July 2019. Therefore, we have observed a natural dispersal of the water deer to the north beyond its historical range. Taking into account this record of a water deer, the Russian fauna includes currently 327 mammal species, including eight Cervidae species.