IUCN designates Milu as international name for milu deer, replacing former Père David's deer

Milu deer in the Shishou National Nature Reserve (Photo: Hubei Daily/Ke Hao)

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially adopted "Milu", the Chinese phonetic name of milu deer, as its international name, replacing its former Western designation - "Père David's deer", according to a meeting which was held to mark the 40th anniversary of the reintroduction of milu deer to China on Nov. 27, 2025, in Shishou, Hubei Province.

Milu deer are endemic to China where they bear the nickname "sibuxiang," meaning "like none of the four," due to their unique features: a horse-like face, a donkey-like tail, cow-like hooves and stag-like antlers. They are of great value in maintaining the security and nutritional-function integrity of wetland ecosystems.

Wild milu deer were once extinct in China and introduced to China from overseas since 1985. The species is now under first-class state protection in the country.

Since the return of the milu deer, scientists have achieved breakthroughs in disease control, breeding and genetics. After 40 years of unremitting efforts, China has reestablished their wild populations and witnessed a growing population of artificially-bred milu deer.

Source: en.hubei.gov.cn