Call of the wild

Genetic concern

According to Bai, with bigger conservation efforts, overhunting is no longer a threat, but other factors have become the focus for the protection of the milu as a critically endangered species.

Inbreeding has led to a number of reproductive problems, including low birthrates, which have led to frequent abnormal and difficult births, diseases, and an imbalanced sex ratio.

"It happens to many endangered species. It will take a long time for the milu to regain its genetic diversity," Bai says.

Since 2017, Bai's center has started a research program to collect data on the health conditions of both the milu and their habitat.

During the initial stages of their research, the center collected relevant data from six milu bases around China. Information on the deer population, inheritance, faeces, hormones and parasites were closely monitored using a painless sampling technique developed for wild animals.

"The goal is to establish a health database for the milu and a system to evaluate their habitat, so we have standard reference points if any abnormality occurs in the future."

Bai says cases in which a large number of milu deaths are reported due to disease outbreaks in recent years have proven that this kind of monitoring is meaningful for the milu, as a reintroduced species developed from a small founding population.

"By strengthening our monitoring processes, we will not only learn about the situation of their genetic diversity, emerging trends and evolutionary potential, but also formulate counter measures for major threats to reduce the risks of extinction, and lay a foundation for the long-term survival of the species," Bai says.

Cross-breeding projects are also carried out internationally.