The depletion of wildlife is a worldwide crisis. Sperm whales were nearly extinct. California's coastal otters were neary extinct. The American bison were nearly extinct. The California condor and the bald eagle nearly suffered a similar fate. That is the short list.
Thus, the discovery of this tiny animal is another miracle. Not because anyone said, "HEY! I had no idea there were only a few left in existence." In this case, those who traffic in wild animals — living and breathing, or as harvested body parts — those in the trade of wild animals simply have not "finished the job." And that is one of the most frightening aspects of this story.
In Africa, the slaughter of the iconic wildlife. such as elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, and other big cats, is happening at such an alarming rate, they could all be gone by 2050.
The Asian market in "folk medicine" has nearly destroyed populations of Asian bears, and tigers. In San Francisco, shark fin soup was declared illegal, which infuriated the owners and customers of Chinese restaurants.
I have no idea the damage to endangered species in Southeast Asia from the carpet bombing, and spraying of Agent Orange, through regions suspected of enemy activity during the Vietnam War. But I suspect the chevrotain in this video, and other species, was in greater numbers before the War. We know Agent Orange infected our soldiers in the area. One must assume it caused injury and death to the people, fauna and flora for years after.
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A lovely story of charming creatures. We should all be aware of our fellow creatures regardless of how rarely seen they may be.
15
So glad to see the clip of this lovely little creature. I hope steps are taken to see that their population can increase.
17
Now let's hope humans don't destroy them.
14
On one hand, I'm glad that this beautiful creature is not "lost to science" and to extinction (and I loved seeing the video clip!) but on the other the opening sentence is heart-breaking:
"The illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam has depleted some forests so drastically that scientists call the result “empty forest syndrome,” where almost nothing sings or crawls or rustles the branches."
What a sad, sad commentary on yet another case where the actions of human beings -- yeah, US! -- have wrought disaster on the lives of animals, and other living things.
One might hope this would be a "wake-up call," but recent actions (inactions) suggest nothing of the sort. Indeed, some illegal wildlife poacher or Trumpain "hunter" is probably fixing his sights on the chevrotain. In hopes of "bagging" the last one left.
17
It is a mixed feeling after reading this article. I was very happy to see that a rare animal thought to be extinct is still survival in a tough environment as Vietnam. I felt really sad while reading the scientist’s comment about their eerie feeling about the emptiness of the Vietnamese forest! We need to help Vietnamese people to recognize and protect the treasures of their country, the forests and animals that used to cover most of their land in green and roam the land!
32
A rare uplifting story at a time of extinction - due to having enough habitat left, the knowledge of locals (even if these include hunters) and the persistence of scientists
15
I would keep their specific location under wraps, it you want them to survive for any length of time....
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