Eld’s deer (Rucervus eldii) have been spotted in Keo Seima Widlife Sanctuary (KSWS) of Mondulkiri province after the mammal has not been observed in the area for almost 20 years, according to WCS Cambodia.

The Organisation yesterday released the first image of three young Eld’s deer grazing in the forests of KSWS captured by camera in April 2022.

Eld’s deer (Rucervus eldii) is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List and is one of Cambodia’s rarest large mammals, with their population declining sharply across Cambodia at an alarming rate.

While these images confirmed Eld’s deer are still present within KSWS, it is hard to ignore the significant threats Eld’s deer face, such as snaring, loss of habitat, trophy hunting and dog hunting, said the same source, adding that without urgent conservation measures, Eld’s deer are likely to be extinct across Cambodia soon.

WCS Cambodia suggested breeding programme among others in order to bring the Eld's deer back from the brink of extinction within Cambodia.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press