Chinese water deer, introduced to England, have one of their largest world populations in the UK and face welfare challenges from flooding, poaching, and winter cold.
Water deer in flood-prone river valley habitats face acute risk during major flooding events as animals displaced from reed beds and fenland cannot easily escape rising water. Fawns are particularly vulnerable to cold and wet conditions at birth in late spring. Poaching for venison affects populations in some areas. Road mortality on fenland roads is significant. Winter cold combined with high rainfall creates thermal stress conditions for animals in exposed fenland habitats without adequate cover. The UK population's global conservation significance means individual welfare incidents have outsized conservation importance.