Four endangered hog deer, once thought to be extinct in Cambodia, were caught on camera in Kratie province for the first time in a decade, according to the World Wildlife Fund. The nocturnal deer triggered a camera trap in the Mekong Flooded Forest set by WWF-Cambodia on Sunday night and in the early hours of yesterday morning. In a statement, WWF-Cambodia said researchers also found evidence of young hog deer hoofprints, inspiring hope of a population increase.
The hog deer species was believed to be extinct in Cambodia until 2006, when it was rediscovered in Kratie. However, they have not been seen again until now. ‘This is fabulous news, and it clearly reflects the hard work of community members . . . these sightings are encouraging and inspiring,’ said WWF-Cambodia Country Director Seng Teak.
‘However, hunting pressure remains a challenge and we must eliminate it.’ Hog deer are listed as ‘endangered’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of threatened species.
