In one of modern conservation's most inspiring success stories, China's milu deer population has rebounded to 15,000 individuals this year – a staggering recovery four decades after the species was functionally extinct in its native habitat. The current wild population of over 6,000 deer now roaming protected reserves stands as testament to sustained ecological commitment.
The turnaround began in 1985 when Chinese authorities partnered with British conservationists to reintroduce the species, followed by critical habitat restoration at Jiangsu Province's Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve. Wildlife experts credit this year's milestone to advanced breeding programs and cross-border scientific cooperation that transformed the milu from museum specimens to thriving herds.
"This recovery demonstrates what's possible when conservation becomes national priority," noted Dr. Liang Wei, a Beijing-based ecologist. As of December 2025, China hosts the world's largest wild milu population, with new herds recently established in Hubei and Hunan provinces through strategic rewilding initiatives.
