Current population status, challenges and prospects of the endangered white-lipped deer endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Abstract

The white-lipped deer, an endangered deer species unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, faces a severe survival crisis. Despite increased research on white-lipped deer, no systematic effort has comprehensively reviewed the published literature or evaluated current knowledge of the species. In this study, we reviewed available published papers to provide the following information on the species: a) the current population status; b) primary threats; c) conservation limitations and recommendations. Our findings indicate that confirmed distribution records for the white-lipped deer exist for only four provinces. Furthermore, records of captive breeding and ex situ conservation of this species over the past decade (2015–2025) originate from only 15 wildlife conservation centers and zoos. Based on a literature review and the authors’ research experience, we identify four primary threats currently confronting the white-lipped deer population: habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, the combined pressures of resource competition with domestic animals and human-deer conflicts, and reproductive challenges. Persistent conservation limitations include an unclear understanding of its population size and distribution status, potentially unstable genetic diversity, ambiguous habitat distribution, the need for strengthened law enforcement, and an insubstantial research foundation. Holistic conservation actions, including reinitiating specialized population surveys, establishing ecological corridors, optimizing protected areas, decreasing human disturbance, fostering cross-jurisdictional cooperation, enhancing legal awareness and nature education, and increasing financial support for white-lipped deer research, are essential for the persistence of this endangered species.