The red deer population has risen to nearly 3,000 from several hundred in a nature reserve in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region thanks to an improved local environment and enhanced wildlife protection efforts. 

Red deer are not endangered but habitat reduction and poaching had led to a decline in their numbers at the Huanggangliang Nature Reserve in Hexigten Banner of Chifeng City.

"During our monitoring, we found frequent activities of wild red deer," said Bai Tiesong, deputy head of the Huanggangliang police station of the Hexigten Banner Public Security Bureau. 

"They appeared in herds of 20 to 30 or even 50 to 60 adult deer and fawns. They would forage in the forest in the morning and evening. And they move in herds, which is the best way to defend themselves against their enemies."  

The Huanggangliang Nature Reserve covers an area of 38,307 hectares. 

Red deer are under the second highest level state protection in China. They can well adapt to severe weather and are able to survive in temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. 

"In recent years, local forest police and staff members from the nature reserve stepped up wildlife protection efforts and cracked down on poaching," Bai said.

"Our efforts also include routine patrol, 24-hour duty, vehicle checks and forage supply, which have contributed to the increase in the number of red deer in the nature reserve. According to preliminary estimates, there are now nearly 3,000 wild red deer in the Huanggangliang Nature Reserve in Hexigten Banner." 

(Cover image from VCG.)