Bonus points this week if you can name the bird shown and the species of snail!
Did you know what last week’s object of the week was?
Ichang Deer
Well done if you identified the skull last week as that of our Ichang Tufted Deer (Elaphodus cephalophus ichangensis).
This deer was shot in 1904 by A. E. Leatham on the mountains near Ichang, Hupei province, China. He believed it to be a new species and so brought the animal to the Natural History Museum in London. It was determined to be a new species and named Elaphodus ichangensis.
It was later found that an identical skull had been left in the museum two years previously by a Mr F. W. Styan. Now that the scientists had the skin of the mystery animal they were able to publish a description; unfortunately for Leatham his specimen could not be used as the type specimen.
Leatham chose not to leave his specimen to the Natural History Museum in London, so we are fortunate enough to be able to display it in our museum. Now it can be seen by all our visitors shortly after they arrive.
