In a remarkable turn of events, conservationists have received heartening news from southern Vietnam—a region where an extraordinary deer species, akin in size to a cat, has been spotted after evading the scrutiny of wildlife experts for years. Long considered possibly extinct, the enigmatic silver-back chevrotain, also known as the Vietnam mouse-deer, has resurfaced in the wild. This exciting rediscovery has been detailed in a study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution.
The silver-back chevrotain’s elusive nature had fueled speculation about its survival, despite local stories suggesting its continued existence. The creature’s small size and the prevalence of snare hunting, notorious for its cruelty, had made its discovery challenging. The conservationists involved are maintaining discretion about the exact location of their find due to the threat of snare hunting.
This sighting holds significant scientific importance, especially as no live specimen had been documented previously. The chevrotain’s history is marked by sparse information—initially described in 1910 based on confiscated specimens, followed by a dearth of records until a 1990 joint expedition. The recent discovery required extensive fieldwork, with experts relying on limited historical data to identify potential habitats.
Andrew Tilker, an Asian species officer at Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC), highlighted the scarcity of information: “We didn’t have much to go on.” Collaborating with field biologist An Nguyen, Tilker and his team initiated their quest. They consulted locals, pinpointing a likely area and deploying cameras in November 2017.
After months of anticipation, the cameras yielded 72 sightings of the silver-back chevrotain, followed by another 208 captured events through intensive camera traps. These images provided insights into the creature’s behavior—active during the day and often solitary.
Despite this momentous discovery, much remains unknown about the species, including its population and distribution. Deforestation has likely confined the chevrotain to isolated pockets within its historic range, raising concerns about its conservation status. Tilker emphasized the need for more comprehensive research to evaluate the species’ threat level.
This rediscovery parallels instances of Lazarus taxa, where creatures believed extinct reappear. The scientific community experienced such surprises with the coelacanth and the Fernandina Island Galápagos tortoise. This occurrence reinforces the unpredictability of the natural world and highlights the necessity of conservation efforts.
While nature’s resilience is astonishing, human intervention remains pivotal in safeguarding these species. The remarkable rediscovery of the silver-back chevrotain signifies a shared responsibility to protect and preserve the intricate web of life on our planet.
