Review: The status of the endangered Eld’s deer (Rucervus eldii) and conservation actions in Thailand
31
Issued Date
2022-10-01
Resource Type
ISSN
1412033X
eISSN
20854722
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85139779661
Journal Title
Biodiversitas
Volume
23
Issue
10
Start Page
5020
End Page
5034
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Biodiversitas Vol.23 No.10 (2022) , 5020-5034
Suggested Citation
Sukmasuang R., Bhumpakphan N., McShea W.J., Wajjwalku W., Siriaroonrat B., Kamolnoranart S., Yindee M., Nipanan T., Maleehuan B., Khanthathongsakuldee K., Pongcharoen C., Sutummawong N., Thomas W. Review: The status of the endangered Eld’s deer (Rucervus eldii) and conservation actions in Thailand. Biodiversitas Vol.23 No.10 (2022) , 5020-5034. 5034. doi:10.13057/biodiv/d231008 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/83128
Title
Review: The status of the endangered Eld’s deer (Rucervus eldii) and conservation actions in Thailand
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
The endangered Eld’s deer (Rucervus eldii McClelland, 1842) once roamed throughout the plains and dry forests of South and Southeast Asia. However, due to heavy poaching and habitat loss, the population has declined drastically and has disappeared from many of its historical ranges. They are presently found in some natural areas of India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Hainan Island, China. Thailand used to be the distribution center of the species, where two subspecies, the R.e. thamin and R.e. siamensis, were found. However, both subspecies have disappeared from the natural resources of Thailand since the early 1990s. Many conservation programs have been conducted to save this species in Thailand, such as captive breeding and reintroduction. Our literature review revealed that currently, more than a thousand R.e. thamin are housed in over 20 wildlife breeding facilities and 109 R.e. siamensis in 8 breeding facilities. Based on the workshops on conservation and restoration of the species, suitable genetic selection can create populations suitable for return to protected forest areas in Thailand. At present, more than 554 R.e. thamin have been released back into the wild in 8 wildlife sanctuaries, 3 national parks and 1 non-hunting area and 27 R.e. siamensis were released in 2 wildlife sanctuaries in Thailand. The follow-up of the deer in the release areas was flawed. Major knowledge gaps include recent trends in the population dynamics, habitat selection, diet items and threats. Identifying and restoring suitable dry forest habitats for reintroduction are also keys for species conservation.