In a conservation triumph, China’s milu deer have surged back from the brink of extinction over the past 40 years. Once driven to local extinction during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), these deer survived only in a few European zoological collections.
Beginning in 1985, a landmark collaboration between China and the United Kingdom launched a reintroduction program to restore milu populations on the Chinese mainland. At the program’s start, just 77 individuals returned to protected reserves. As of 2025, the population has climbed to approximately 15,000, with over 6,000 roaming freely in the wild – making it the largest wild milu population worldwide.
This recovery offers a powerful example for global conservation efforts. By integrating rigorous breeding, habitat restoration, and international partnership, China has turned the milu into an inspiring symbol of biodiversity revival. Young conservationists and entrepreneurs are taking note, exploring eco-tourism opportunities that allow digital nomads and travelers to witness these deer in their natural environment while supporting sustainable development.
Looking ahead, experts emphasize the need to expand habitat corridors, monitor genetic diversity, and engage local communities. As we mark the 40th anniversary of the reintroduction program in 2025, the milu deer story underscores how targeted action can revitalize species and landscapes. For young global citizens and changemakers, it’s a reminder that international cooperation and data-driven strategies can yield remarkable results – one species at a time.
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Milu deer thrive in China through four decades of conservation
cgtn.com
