Deer With Fangs Spotted For The First Time In 60 Years

Four rare deer with fangs were spotted in northeast Afghanistan. The Wildlife Conservation Society confirmed a male, two females, and a juvenile were observed on three separate occasions. Wildlife officials said the species have not been seen or recorded in more than 60 years.

Kashmir musk deer are commonly called “deer with fangs,” as the males grow long tusk-like teeth as opposed to antlers. During rutting season, the deer use their “tusks” as weapons against other male deer.

As reported by the Smithsonian Magazine, there are several known species of deer with fangs. However, seven species are exclusive to the mountains of Asia. Although locals have reported multiple sightings throughout the last 60 years, their existence was last documented in 1948.

Wildlife officials confirmed that humans are the musk deer’s worst enemy. In addition to loss of habitat due to deforestation, the endangered deer are hunted for their musk. As the musk “can be worth three times more than its weight in gold,” the rare animals are often sought by poachers.

It is nearly impossible to determine how may deer with fangs still exist. However, the Afghanistan Biodiversity Conservation Program estimates the “numbers are likely to be low and perhaps very localized.”

Interviews, which were conducted with local residents, suggest musk deer are “commonly known and widely hunted” despite their endangered status. However, conservationists were unable to document their existence.

In 2007, cameras were placed throughout the Nuristan province for a period of four months. Although the cameras captured “a range of other large mammals,” the cameras “did not detect musk deer.”

The Wildlife Conservation Society hopes the recent sightings will help renew conservation efforts throughout the region. As reported by Mother Nature Network, conservation may be difficult, but it is not impossible.

Peter Zahler, WCS Deputy Director of Asia Programs, said deer with antlers are “one of Afghanistan’s living treasures.”

“This rare species, along with better known wildlife such as snow leopards, are the natural heritage of this struggling nation. We hope that conditions will stabilize soon to allow WCS and local partners to better evaluate conservation needs of this species.”

Unfortunately, “violence and political instability,” which are common throughout the region, may hamper further research and conservation. The efforts are further hindered by elevations, which exceed 9,000 feet above sea level.

Although the researchers were thrilled to find several living deer with fangs, they cannot guarantee their continued survival. They hope the new information will help raise awareness about musk deer’s plight.

[Image via Washington Post]