At a glance
- IUCN category
- EW · Extinct in the Wild
- Animal group
- Mammals
- Population trend
- Increasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
Pere David's deer is a large wetland deer that was saved from total extinction only by captive herds, having been lost in the wild. It is assessed as Extinct in the Wild.
Chinese herds have been re-established from animals kept in Europe.
Range & habitat
Native to China; survives in managed and reintroduced herds after being lost in the wild.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Historical loss of wild habitat
- Past near-total loss
- Dependence on managed populations
Why it matters
A deer that survived solely in captivity and is now being returned to China, Pere David's deer is a remarkable example of a species rescued from oblivion.
Listed Extinct in the Wild; survives in managed and reintroduced herds in China.
Sources
Sources for Père David's Deer
- IUCN Red List — look up Père David's Deer (authoritative status)
- Animal Diversity Web
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Pere David's deer avoid extinction?
After disappearing in the wild, the species survived only because animals had been kept in parks abroad (notably in England); descendants were later sent back to China to re-establish herds.
What does 'Extinct in the Wild' mean for this deer?
It means it survives only in captivity or managed/reintroduced populations rather than as a self-sustaining wild population. Reintroduction efforts continue. See the IUCN Red List.
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