Conservation status and causes of decline of musk deer (Moschus spp.) in China

Five musk deer species occur in 17 provinces of the People's Republic of China, and all were included in the second category of the Chinese State Key Protected Wildlife List in 1998. The forest musk deer has the widest distribution,with a population estimated at 100,000-200,000. Alpine and Siberian musk deer number about 100,000 and 2000, respectively. The black and Himalayan musk deer occur only in parts of Yunnan Province and Tibet and are estimated to be rare due to their limited distribution. Overhunting for musk and habitat destruction have been agents of musk deer population declines. Relevant conservation measures adopted include establishment of national and nature reserves and enactment of laws that protect these deer populations.