The Kashmir musk deer sports a very interesting characteristic, two pointed fangs that extend from the upper jaw. The tusks are only found on the males and they serve the purpose of fending off competitors during mating season. Classified as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List, this type of deer has been sighted for the first time in Afghanistan's Nuristan province after nearly 60 years of hiding. This strange creature inhabits the Himalayas in northern India, Pakistan's Kashmir region as well as northern Afghanistan. Over the years, poachers have targeted the musk deer for its scent glands, which have become highly demanded on the black market for their pharmaceutical properties. While the deer usually take shelter in the steep cliffs and mountainous forests, deforestation and urbanization has driven them to near extinction. Many wildlife organizations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society's Asia Programs have made it an objective to stop the destruction of the musk deer's habitats and to conserve the ecosystem as a whole. They race against the hunters and human settlers that continue to claim their homes and lives. This is very unfortunate since the "rare species, along with better-known wildlife, such as snow leopards, are the natural heritage of this struggling nation," according to Peter Zahler, deputy director of the Wildlife Conservation Society's Asia Programs. The musk deer's reappearance is a hopeful sign, such wildlife must be preserved in its admirable, natural state for future generations to be in awe. http://www.foxnews.com/science/2014/11/05/deer-with-vampire-fangs-spotted-for-1st-time-in-decades/
As an animal lover, I have always had a lot of respect for wildlife. This article fascinated me, I had never even heard of the musk deer. When I was little, I loved reading books on different species within the animal kingdom, so apart from the extremely bizarre I could at least recognize most animals. Now, I am a huge advocate for the humane treatment and protection of species. Yes I get criticized, but I see nothing wrong in wanting to protect animals from the detrimental consequences of human actions. This article emphasized the scarcity and rapid disappearance of a species due to humans driven by self interest and personal gain. Poaching is a disgusting and highly reprimandable offense in my opinion. It is one of the major reasons an endangered species list even exists. I find it very sad that people do not achieve satisfaction through admiring nature from a distance. Hopefully, societies all around the world will see how much it is worth before it is too late.
