The Milu Deer Population in China has grown to over 8,500, highlighting major conservation progress. This Milu Deer Population milestone, reported at the 2025 World Coastal Forum in Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, reflects decades of dedicated efforts. Moreover, experts say the Milu Deer Population increase demonstrates successful initiatives to restore an endangered species and strengthen wetland ecosystems.
Meanwhile, the Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve has become the world’s largest gene bank for milu deer. In addition, it reports the highest reproduction, survival, and annual growth rates globally. Consequently, the reserve plays a vital role in sustaining the species’ numbers and serves as a model for wildlife conservation and ecosystem management.
Milu deer, also known as Pere David’s deer, are native to China. Locally, they are called “sibuxiang,” meaning “like none of the four,” because of their unique features. They have a horse-like face, donkey-like tail, cow-like hooves, and stag-like antlers. Therefore, these characteristics make them essential for protecting wetland ecosystems and supporting the species’ overall population.
Historically, human hunting and habitat destruction caused the Milu Deer Population to decline after the Han Dynasty, from 202 B.C. to 220 A.D. Furthermore, by the late Qing Dynasty, war forced dozens of deer from the Nanhaizi imperial hunting park in Beijing to scatter overseas.
In 1986, the World Wide Fund for Nature donated 39 milu deer from British zoos to Dafeng for protection and breeding. Subsequently, conservation efforts by the reserve and local government quickly followed. In 1987, the reserve reported its first successful reproduction of the milu deer count. By 1992, the herd size exceeded 100, and by 2006 it grew to over 1,000.
China has now established 95 milu reserves across 26 provincial-level regions. Additionally, the country created the National Conservation and Research Center for Milu. As of August 2025, the total Milu Deer Population in China exceeds 14,000. Officials emphasize that these combined efforts benefit biodiversity, wetland health, and eco-tourism development.
Experts note that maintaining and expanding protected areas will further support Milu Deer Population growth. Moreover, continued habitat restoration and breeding programs will strengthen the population. Consequently, conservationists hope this success encourages similar strategies for other endangered species globally.
Overall, the growth of the Milu Deer Population illustrates China’s commitment to wildlife protection, ecosystem integrity, and sustainable environmental management. Therefore, this achievement sets a benchmark for both national and international conservation programs.
