Fauna
Mammal

Père David's Deer

Elaphurus davidianus

Also known as Milu, Elaphure, Sibuxiang

Known traditionally in China as sibuxiang for possessing a camel-like neck, stag antlers, cow hooves, and a donkey tail, this wetland deer is uniquely adapted to marsh life with wide, splayed hooves that prevent sinking into mud. Stags actively wallow in shallow water and drape their backward-facing antlers with aquatic reeds to intimidate rivals during the breeding season. Having vanished entirely from its native river valley wilds by the early twentieth century, all living individuals descend from a single captive herd safeguarded at Woburn Abbey.

WetlandHerbivoreReintroduced
Père David's Deer reference
Lilly M / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Extinct in the WildConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXExtinct in the WildRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyWetland Grasses, Water Lilies, Reeds
Predators
  • Tiger
  • Gray Wolf
  • Leopard
ThreatsSevere genetic bottleneck, habitat loss, and reliance on managed populations
HabitatsRiverine floodplains, marshes, reed beds, and managed grassland reserves
Life span18–23 years
Classification
  1. OrderArtiodactyla
  2. FamilyCervidae
  3. GenusElaphurus
  4. SpeciesElaphurus davidianus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Rutting stags can be aggressive; observe from behind reserve barriers or at a safe distance.
Why it is dangerous
Mature stags weigh up to 250 kilograms and can charge or gore with complexly branched antlers during the rut.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognize stags by their heavy necks, backward-branching antlers, and muddy coating from wallowing.
What to do
Never enter enclosures or approach free-roaming herds on foot without guided reserve vehicles.
What to notice
Look for a long tufted tail, broad hooves, and unusual antlers branching toward the back.
Support conservation
Follow reserve rules strictly and avoid disturbing nursery groups with newborn fawns.
Responsible observation
  • Observe from Fences: Watch herds from designated visitor platforms in wildlife parks and breeding reserves.
  • Listen During Rut: Look for wallowing stags in summer when roaring and antler-tossing are at their peak.
Related species
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The Forest Floor

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