Recently, at an event marking the 40th anniversary of the Milu's return to China, experts at the Shishou Milu National Nature Reserve in the Tian-e-zhou wetland have revealed that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially adopted the Chinese transliteration "Milu" as the species' international name, replacing "Pere David's Deer".
The ceremony, held this year in central China's Hubei Province, celebrated four decades since a small herd of these deer was reintroduced to the Tian-e-zhou wetland. Once extinct in the wild, Milu have become a symbol of successful conservation on the Chinese mainland, with protected populations now thriving across several reserves.
Known in Chinese as "sibuxiang," or "four-unlikes," Milu are noted for a unique blend of features: hoofed like deer, horned like antelope, tailed like horses and bearded like goats. Their roots stretch deep into Chinese history, with mentions found in the Book of Mencius, the Book of Rites, and the Compendium of Materia Medica. "The character 'Mi' appears as early as in oracle bone inscriptions," explains Meng Qinghui, researcher at the Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center.
By giving the species a name that reflects its heritage, conservationists hope to strengthen global awareness and foster deeper cultural connections. As Milu roam wetlands and grasslands once more, the IUCN's update marks a milestone in biodiversity efforts, inviting young global citizens and nature enthusiasts to join in safeguarding this iconic species for generations to come.
Reference(s):
IUCN adopts name 'Milu' for the animal known as 'Pere David's Deer'
cgtn.com
