In a landmark discovery for wildlife conservation, infrared cameras have captured a forest musk deer in Chongqing's Baima Mountain Municipal Nature Reserve – the first recorded sighting of this endangered species in the southwestern metropolis. Forestry experts confirmed the rare find this week, signaling progress in regional ecological restoration efforts.
The forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii), classified as a Class-I nationally protected species in China and listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, has seen its population decimated by habitat loss and poaching. Its unexpected appearance in Chongqing comes as environmental authorities implement stricter anti-poaching measures and habitat expansion programs.
"This sighting demonstrates our nature reserves are becoming viable habitats for sensitive species," said Dr. Liang Wei, a conservation biologist at Southwest University. "The deer's presence acts as an environmental indicator – their survival requires dense forest cover and minimal human disturbance."
Conservationists note the discovery coincides with China's intensified focus on biodiversity protection under its Ecological Civilization strategy. Recent wildlife protection law amendments have increased penalties for illegal hunting of protected species, while reforestation projects have added 36,000 hectares of woodland in Chongqing since 2021.
