Elaphure

/ˈɛləfjʊr/ noun

Definition

A small, shy deer found in southern China and Vietnam, related to the muntjac, also called the silver-backed chevrotain.

Etymology

From Greek elaphē (deer) plus an unknown second element, possibly combining Greek and Sino-Tibetan roots. This rare word appears in older zoological texts and scientific classifications.

Kelly Says

The silver-backed chevrotain was lost to science for 25 years and rediscovered in 1990 after being presumed extinct—sometimes the rarest animals aren't even known to modern researchers!

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