A government assessmentin 1986 estimated the population to consist of 130,000individuals across 115,000 km2 (Dulamtseren et al.,1989), declining to 8,000-10,000 individuals in 15provinces in 2004, representing a 92% decline over thepast 18 years (Zahler et al., 2004). Generation lengthhas been estimated as six years based on data from Nowak (1991). This species qualifi esas Critically Endangered under Criterion A2acd, as there has been an observed decline ofgreater then 80% over the past three generations, primarily due to exploitation, but alsoresulting from habitat loss. As the causes of this decline are expected to continue over thenext three generations, Cervus elaphus also qualifi es as Critically Endangered under CriterionA3d. There is a potential rescue effect from populations in Russia, but further information on132population status and hunting pressure on this population is required, therefore the assessmentremains unchanged following application of regional criteria.