Home About Us Contact Us Photos Wish List Recent Events
The Pere David's Deer
(click to enlarge photo)
History
Pere David's Deer (Elaphurus davidianus)is a critically endangered species. The species has been extinct in the wild for nearly 800 years and can only be found in zoos and animal parks. The Pere David's Deer was unknown to western science until the 1860's when Pere David, a French missionary and zoologist noticed them in an Imperial Park. The Chinese Emperor agreed to send 18 animals to facilities in Europe in the 1800's. During the Boxer Rebellion at the turn of the century, the Chinese herd was exterminated, leaving the descendents of the animals in Europe as the only remaining members of the species.
Facts
Classification: Order Artiodactyla, Family, Cervidae
Description: The coat is a reddish tawny color. the long tail ends with a tuft. the deciduous antlers, which are found only in the male, are branched, with branches near the base and the other branches decreasing in length toward the tips. The eyes are large, the ears short and pointed. the legs are long; and the hooves are relatively long and spread apart, providing support on soft soil. Length of head and body about 1.5m(5ft), tail about 50 cm (20 in.); shoulder height 1.2 - 1.3 m (4-4.3 ft); weight 150-200 kg (330-440lb).
Distribution: Originally native to central and northern China; now only about 3000 individuals in zoos and game parks.
Habitat: Probably marshy lowlands ( has been extrapolated in the wild for 800 years. Fossil evidence, hoof shape and behavioral patterns suggest lowlands.
Behavior: This species was discovered in 1865 by Pere David, a French Jesuit missionary and naturalist. He managed to catch a glimpse of this deer over the wall which surrounded the Imperial Park near Peking, where the several hundred remaining individuals were kept. Nothing is known about their life in the wild.
Note: Fortunately, this deer has been successfully bred and reared in captivity. In an English sanctuary, rutting takes place in June-August and after about a 250 day gestation 1 or 2 young are born in April - May.
Reintroduction
The Chinese people are actively pursuing the reintroduction of the species. The Woburn Abbey in Great Britain, provided the Chinese people with sufficient animals to begin a breeding herd. In 1998, the People's Republic of China established a preserve dedicated to the reintroduction of this species.
The latitude and climate found at Whispering Springs are compatible to the native habitat for the species. This fact makes our facility desirable for breeding animals that will be acclimated to the conditions found at the release site.
(click to enlarge photo)
Project
The Pere David's Deer Reintroduction Project involves the breeding of this critically endangered species. The fact is that Pere David's Deer are not even on the endangered species list because the species is to all intents and purposes extinct. Therefore, this species is not covered by the Endangered Species Act and receives none of the benefits of an endangered species. The Project can only exist by the generosity of private donors.
In order to proceed with and dedicate the effort to the reintroduction of the Pere David's Deer, the staff of Whispering Springs has contacted officials at the People's Republic of China's embassy in Washington D.C. and with individuals in charge of the reintroduction project in Mainland China. We are developing a working relationship with the Chinese people and have received their support for the project. WSRR staff has included officials from the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the discussions of the project. The developments from these relationships have convinced WSRR to proceed with the fund raising efforts necessary to move forward with the project.
Done To Date
Approximately 100 acres of the WSRR property have been enclosed in order to provide an area for the acclimation of the animals scheduled for reintroduction to living in the wild. This enclosure includes forestland, wetland and open pasture allowing the animals scheduled for reintroduction to mature under conditions approximating their wild habitat. This will result in animals that will be better adapted to living in the wild thus enhancing their chances of survival.
Future Plans
The Whispering Springs Rescue and Research Center (WSRR) plans to construct a 24' x 60' building at the Center to be used for conducting artificial insemination, as a birthing facility and for storage. WSRR staff will use artificial insemination techniques in order to insure a successful breeding and to avoid possible inbreeding. A portion of this facility will be dedicated as a birthing facility and medical facility. The building will also be used for storing of feed and supplies for the project.
In order to provide sufficient animals for the reintroduction project, the breeding herd currently residing at WSRR will need to be increased. Studies and surveys of existing populations have shown that inbreeding results in weakening of the species. The animals should be bred to the most distant strains in the herd as possible. Also, the fawn survival rate in small populations is significantly lower than in larger breeding groups. WSRR have located sufficient animals residing at several sources throughout the continent and will be able to acquire the additional Pere David's Deer.
Additional fencing is necessary as the larger the range the better reproductive and survival rates. The fencing needs to be 7-8 feet in height as Pere David’s are able to clear 6 ft.
Goal
The ultimate goal of the program resulting from a breeding herd of this size is to provide 30-40 animals annually for reintroduction into the wilds of Mainland China. The Project would need to continue for a good number of years to ensure that wild herds succeed in sufficient numbers and bring the Pere David's back to life.
(click to enlarge photo)
Conclusion
Upon implementation of the Project, WSRR will be responsible for the care and management of a substantial breeding herd of Pere David's Deer. As the Project progresses, WSRR will develop additional supporters and funding sources. This will result in the program becoming self-sufficient and will ensure the success of the Project.
The long term benefits of this Project for the participants and the community at large are substantial. In today's world, the extinction of species and loss of biodiversity on a global level are serious problems. This project will result in a magnificent species to become again a member of the ecosystem in which it has been absent for centuries. The Project will also provide a mechanism for cooperation between the government agencies from the United States, The People's Republic of China, the non-profit world and the general public from both countries to collaborate to improve the world environment. This will result in a model for international cooperation and promote other opportunities for individuals to work together for the good of the environment regardless of political boundaries.