The director of Chu Mom Ray National Park in Quang Ngai Province has encountered a rare Eld's deer during a night patrol, offering fresh evidence of the park's biodiversity and conservation success.
Dao Xuan Thuy, director of the park's management board, said on July 31 that he came across an adult male Eld's deer (Rucervus eldii) with impressive antlers while patrolling the forest at night.
Known scientifically as Rucervus eldii, the Eld's deer is listed in the Red Data Book and is classified as a rare and endangered forest species in Vietnam. Hunting, capturing, keeping or harming the animal is strictly prohibited, and violations may result in criminal prosecution.
"The Eld's deer is a protected species of endangered wildlife. Anyone who deliberately hunts or harms it may face criminal liability," Thuy said.
According to Thuy, the species is found across parts of central Vietnam and the Central Highlands, but wild populations have declined sharply, making sightings increasingly rare.
"We rarely encounter Eld's deer in Chu Mom Ray National Park. At present, we have not been able to determine how many individuals remain in the park," he said.
Thuy added that camera traps installed throughout the park have recorded numerous rare wildlife species in recent years, including animals facing a high risk of extinction.
Earlier in 2026, the camera trap network captured several images of gaur (Bos gaurus), one of the world's largest wild cattle species. Distinguished by its dark coat and large body size, the gaur is native to the forests of the Central Highlands and is unrelated to domesticated cattle breeds.
Analysis of the camera trap data suggests the animals prefer mixed forests close to water sources. Park authorities estimate that around 20 gaur currently inhabit Chu Mom Ray National Park.
The park plans to expand its camera trap network in the coming months. Cameras targeting larger mammals will be installed at heights of 1.2 to 1.4 metres above the ground, while those monitoring smaller species will be positioned 20 to 35 centimetres above ground level.
Forest rangers will regularly inspect the cameras and collect image data to assess wildlife populations and support future conservation measures.
