User:JulesJ2024/Musk deer

Population Of Musk Deer

Population
Musk deer have a global population between 400,000 to 800,000 currently, however the exact count is undetermined. They are widely spread; however, their population density increases within China, Russia, and Mongolia. Musk deer are commonly found in China, and they are spread over 17 provinces. This population is mainly located around the Himalayas in southern Asia, southeast Asia, and eastern Asia. They are also found in a few spots in Russia. As of 2003, they became a protected species due to their declined overall population. Musk deer have many subspecies that have varying population sizes, within the overall total, and all are threatened. Over the past twenty years, the populations are being able to slightly recover due to the captive breeding of these animals, specifically in China. Musk deer populations are recovering due to the protocols and rules being set in place to protect the species.

Habitat
The musk deer species is generally solitary and lives in the higher regions of mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas. The varying species' habitats include different atmospheres and necessary resources for their survival, while including similar universal resources. Musk deer population has been declining recently due to environmental and human factors. As a large-bodied mammal, they have great needs that are not able to be sustained due to habitat fragmentation. This species is largely protected due to the threat of extinction, due to the increase in illegal hunting. Illegal hunting has significantly decreased the population throughout many of the provinces musk deer occupy. Their habitats are being lost to colonization and deforestation and hunting for musk deer was on the rise. They were hunted for their distinct products that are very valuable in the market. Since then, the Chinese government has stepped in to regulate these issues. They have placed rules pertaining to the killing of musk deer and created havens for the deer to survive. To help with the declining numbers, the deforestation of their natural habitat should be stopped and new habitats should be invested in them. Global climate change has also driven the musk deer population down. The warmer climates result in the drive to higher elevations and latitudes. Global warming and habitat fragmentation are two causes for the population decrease.