field expeditions — Southwest cambodia

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Hog Deer (Axis porcinus)

One of the most threatened deer species in the world, the Hog Deer (Axis porcinus), was a target of the October–November 2008 survey. Hog Deer were elevated on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species to Endangered in 2008. This species is threatened due to its habitat, low lying grasslands in South and Southeast Asia, as well as its ecology. Until 2006, the species was thought to have been completely extirpated from Southeast Asia, except Burma (Myanmar), until two small populations were found — one in Kratie province in Cambodia, and one in Thailand. Although all recent evidence pointed to the complete extinction of Hog Deer in Cambodia outside of Kratie, the habitat in the southwest previously contained large populations of Hog Deer. We were able to find definitive evidence just outside of Botum Sakor National Park of what is likely a small population of Hog Deer, including finding fresh tracks of at least four individuals, antlers from a recently killed adult, and a camera trap photo of one adult. We plan to collaborate with the World Wildlife Fund’s Greater Mekong Programme to develop a plan to conserve Hog Deer at both known sites in Cambodia, including community outreach, wildlife protection, and long-term research.