Home / Environment / Temple Deer's Brutal End: Drunk Visitor Causes Extinction
Temple Deer's Brutal End: Drunk Visitor Causes Extinction
19 Jun
Summary
- Last known Schomburgk's deer was killed at a Thai temple in 1938.
- Habitat loss and hunting led to the species' decline and extinction.
- Enormous, crown-like antlers distinguished the unique Schomburgk's deer.
Schomburgk's deer, once inhabiting Thailand's floodplains, is now extinct. Known for its magnificent, crown-like antlers, the species disappeared due to habitat loss and overhunting. Western science first described the deer in 1863, mistaking its antler abundance in markets for commonality.
The expansion of rice cultivation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to widespread draining and fragmentation of the deer's wetland habitat. This concentration of animals on small islands during flood seasons made them easy targets for hunters.
The last wild Schomburgk's deer was shot in 1932. Despite attempts by zoos to breed the species, only one captive male remained at a Thai temple. In 1938, this last deer was killed by an intoxicated visitor, tragically ending the species forever.
