Video footage of the supposedly extinct species has been captured in Vietnam a few days ago, which was first discovered at Nha Trang in 1910. Weighing less than 10lbs and being the world's smallest hoofed animal, it has the size of a bunny but is distinctively similar to a miniature deer with silver flanks. The Chevrotain (Tragulidae) is on the list of the 25 "most wanted" lost species and hasn't been spotted since a Russian and Vietnamese expedition deep within the forests of the Greater Annamites Ecoregion. This was carried out in 1990 and it happened to be the fifth specimen to ever be obtained (was donated to science).
Researchers have suggested that due to snaring (prevalent in mainland southeast Asia) and loss of habitat through deforestation, it has been subjected to near extinction. Because of the sheer low numbers of this species being found, it is a "data deficient", meaning that conservationist has little field research and have no idea of its population status (whether it's truly endangered or nearly extinct). By setting up three camera traps, they caught a few hundred photos of these mammals with the assistance of locals and captured a thousand more 5 months later.
- Foster Marfo
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These guys are so adorable! Its too bad that they were considered extinct and are endangered due to deforestation and snaring. Did you find any information as to why people were snaring these animals, or was is just by accident that they were getting caught in traps?
ReplyDeleteBrianna Luciani
In this article: https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/16/asia/southeast-asia-snaring-crisis-hnk-intl/index.html
DeleteIt is said that they snare them for the "bushmeat" and make a business selling these poached meats to buyers of rising income. Many like the taste of the meat, but are unaware that it's illegally obtained. Some are aware and purposefully show off their status and wealth.
- Foster Marfo
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DeleteWhat an adorable little thing! I hope the population can recover further and scientists will be able to study it. It seems to be a fascinating case for evolutionary biologists due to its peculiar statue and linage. I also wouldn't mind having one of those at home!
ReplyDelete-Gene
Vey adorable species , I hope they find a way to protect them . But I wonder what was the purpose of snaring these animals
ReplyDelete- Fredjah Desmezeaux
When I first saw a picture of these creatures I honestly did not believe they actually existed. After some brief research surrounding this animal, this species appears to have a number of fairly unique features. Interestingly enough these organisms appeared to have changed relatively little over the 35 million years they have occupied this earth. Unlike the majority of species today which are almost unrecognizable in comparison to their past ancestors, the chevrotains found today look quite similar to artist renditions of ancient chevrotains. Also, the chevrotain appear to be more closely genetically related to pigs than they are to deer, despite the clear morphological similarities between deer and chevrotain. However, as another commenter mentioned, I could not find any information surrounding why these creatures were almost hunted to complete extinction. I would assume that because of their small but dense size and thin legs they became an easy source of protein for human predators and thus were overhunted. I would love to know if you have any additional information about this species as they are truly fascinating!
ReplyDeletePosted by James Levangie
I had no idea such a species existed. They are so cute! I hope conservationists are able to regrow this population. I would love to learn how they became so endanger to begin with. Were these snares the most prevalent thing in their decrease? I also love how technology was able to help scientists find so many more of these adorable creatures. I will definitely keep up with this news and try to see how their population size changes over the next year. This was such an interesting read.
ReplyDelete-Sophie DeRepentigny
What a cute photo. I wonder if Vietnam will protect Chevrotain legally now that it is known their numbers still exist. Are they snared for meat, fur, or something else? Ten pounds is not a lot of animal to eat or wear. It seems strange that people would hunt such a small animal so prevalently. Either way, it's nice to hear about their recovery.
ReplyDeletePosted by Meagan Gustafson
This is good, but bad at the same time! Why must our greed cause years of evolution and survival to diminish. There should be more strict laws to prevent these scenarios from arising in the first place. Good to here that there is still a living Chevrotain (Tragulidae), hopefully they can help this species bounce back.
ReplyDeletePosted by Joshua Gach
There are actually strict laws in place, but poachers are avoiding rangers and law enforcement: https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/16/asia/southeast-asia-snaring-crisis-hnk-intl/index.html
Delete- Foster Marfo
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ReplyDeleteThat's amazing! Honestly if they hadn't captured more proof that they exist I wouldn't have believed it. 10 pounds is so small- I wonder how they managed to survive in the wild as deers at that size.
ReplyDelete-Charissa Yu