Researchers in Vietnam have captured incredible images of the endangered forest musk deer in Cao Bang province – the first official sighting of the species in the wild here for decades.
“Scientists have been searching for this musk deer for years with no success – now we’ve found it!" says Nguyen Duc Tho, Project Manager for Fauna & Flora in Vietnam.
What is a forest musk deer?
The forest musk deer, also known as the dwarf musk deer, is one of eight species of musk deer found across Asia.
Unlike other deer, it has no antlers. Instead, males have long, sabre-like canine teeth (tusks) used to compete for mates. They also have special scent glands, which have made them a target for poachers looking to use their musk in perfume.
Musk deer play a vital role in keeping forests healthy. They eat a variety of plants, berries and leaves, helping to spread seeds and support forest diversity. Their presence is a sign of a thriving ecosystem – and their survival is crucial for Vietnam’s rich natural heritage.
Yet these elusive creatures are critically endangered, with fewer than 50 thought to remain in Vietnam – and despite their low numbers, they continue to face threats from illegal trapping and habitat loss.
What's next?
Following this exciting discovery, Fauna & Flora’s team will now study the data to estimate the musk deer population in Cao Bang.
They also plan to expand camera trapping efforts to find other rare animals, such as the Asiatic black bear. More evidence of wildlife in the area could help push for an extension of the nearby Cao Vit Gibbon Species & Habitat Conservation Area, protecting a wider range of species.
"Fauna & Flora’s work in Cao Bang focuses on conserving the critically endangered cao vit gibbon, but there are many more wonderful and rare species living in and around this area, like the forest musk deer," explains Aishwarya Maheshwari, a Senior Technical Specialist at Fauna & Flora.
"It’s critical therefore that we emphasise the importance of protecting not just the official conservation area, but the surrounding habitats, too. By driving landscape level efforts we can deliver more effective conservation, that also benefits people and the climate.”
Musk deer were first caught on camera in a different region of Vietnam in 2021, the first confirmed sighting in the country for over 20 years. The latest discovery in Cao Bang province proves that hope is not lost for the species, says Nguyen Duc Tho.
"This discovery would not have been possible without the help of local community members and the local Forestry Protection Departments, who provided critical intelligence on where the musk deer may be found, and guided us to extremely difficult locations so that we could set up camera traps.
"Their local knowledge of the area – and how to navigate it - has been vital to our conservation efforts.”
Main image: forest musk deer. Credit: Local Forestry Protection Department / Fauna & Flora
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