Anhui Musk Deer

Found only within the Dabie Mountains of western China, the Anhui Musk Deer is a small, elusive creature that reaches about 61 cm at the shoulder. These deer weigh around 8 kg and are identifiable by their dark brown or gray coats, which feature a distinct stripe across the chest and neck. You will not see antlers on either sex; instead, males possess enlarged canine teeth that protrude from the mouth. They use these tusks to fight for territory during the mating season, while also marking boundaries with an earthy, aromatic substance produced in a gland between the navel and genitalia.

To find them, one must venture into high-elevation forests or shrublands where the vegetation is dense and intact. While much of their life remains a mystery, they are known to be unique among their relatives for frequently producing twins. Females typically reach maturity within their first year. Unlike many other species, their survival is precarious because of their prized musk. Although it can be extracted from live animals, hunters often kill the deer to collect the glands for the cosmetics industry and traditional medicine.

Economic pressure drives this decline, as a single kilogram of musk can sell for approximately US$45,000. In rural areas where residents have few options to survive, the 25 g of musk yielded by one male represents a significant source of income. This has led to a suspected population drop of 50% over roughly three generations. Despite legal protections, hunting remains largely unregulated and unmanaged. The most recent population estimate, recorded in 1985, suggested only 700-800 individuals remained in the wild.