Habitat:
Tropical forests, wetlands, rivers

Activity period :
Mainly active at night, generally discreet during the day.

Identification and description:
The water chevrotain, or Hyemoschus aquaticus, is a small, elusive mammal primarily inhabiting the tropical forests of West and Central Africa. This ruminant, belonging to the Tragulidae family, is often mistaken for a small deer due to its appearance. It has a brown coat with white spots, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its environment. Measuring about 80 cm in length and weighing between 7 and 16 kg, it is well-adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle, often seeking refuge in water to escape predators. Nocturnal and solitary, it feeds mainly on fruits, leaves, and young shoots.

Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
To photograph the water chevrotain, patience and discretion are key, as this animal is very shy. Use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture detailed images from a distance. Focus on twilight or nighttime hours when the animal is most active. Set up near a water source, as the water chevrotain tends to seek refuge there. Be attentive to subtle movements in the dense vegetation.