Endangered Hog Deer Caught on Camera in Kratie Province

Phnom Penh─ Four endangered hog deer were recently captured on camera traps for the first time in a decade in Kratie province, Cambodia.

According to WWF-Cambodia, three females and one male hog deer were recorded on camera that was set in the core protection zone of the proposed protected area in the Mekong Flooded Forest of Kratie province. These animals are seen gazing on rice saplings and vegetation in the photographs and the WWF-Cambodia research team has also discovered evidence of young hog deer footprints around the camera trap sites as well.

So, what is fascinating about capturing these hog deer on camera? Apparently, hog deer were once considered to be extinct in Cambodia, up until 2006 when they were rediscovered once again in Kratie province. Since then, hog deer have not been seen or photographed in the wild ever again. Thus, this is literally the first time in a decade that this endangered species has been spotted in Cambodia.

Hog deer was captured on camera in Kratie province, Cambodia

Hog deer has also been classified as globally endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List and the major threats to its existence includes hunting, snaring for meat, habitat loss, charcoal production, and land clearance for agriculture.

Upon this discovery, it builds up hopes for the increase in the population of this endangered hog deer and as well, further encourages for stringent regulated protection.

Four endangered hog deer were recently captured on camera traps for the first time in a decade in Kratie province, Cambodia.