According to a news report in National Geographic, a small, fanged deer-like species was recently rediscovered in a forest in southern Vietnam. The last known scientific recording of this species, known as the silver-backed chevrotain (Tragulus versicolor), occurred nearly 30 years ago.

The silver-backed chevrotain is the world’s smallest ungulate (hoofed animal). It is about the size of a rabbit or small cat. Chevrotains lack horns or antlers, and the fangs are longer in males, leading scientists to believe the males use them to compete for territory and mates.

The chevrotain species can be found in forests in South and Southeast Asia, with a single species in the rainforests of Central and West Africa. The Asian species weigh between 1.5 and 17.6 pounds, while the African chevrotain weighs between 15 to 35 pounds.

The silver-backed chevrotain can only be found in Vietnam, referred to as the Vietnam mouse-deer. Scientists know very little about this subspecies of chevrotain. 

The silver-backed chevrotain is the first mammal on the list of 25 most wanted lost species to be rediscovered. The researchers behind the discovery say they hope it will help protect the species, which is mainly threatened by the illegal use of wire snares.

A reduction in snaring and poaching is required to help this species survive long term. Although Vietnam takes its poaching problem seriously, it’s a difficult issue to solve.