North American pudu

The **North American pudu** (*Pudu americanum*) is a species of pudu, most closely related to the northern pudu (*Pudu mephistophiles*) of South America, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The North American pudu is one of the smallest species of deer in the world. It is 32 to 35 centimeters (13 to 14 inches) tall at the shoulder and weighs 3.3 to 6 kilograms (7.3 to 13.2 lbs). The antlers of the North American pudu grow to about 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) long and curve backward. The North American pudu, like other pudu species, are herbivorous, consuming vines, leaves from low trees, shrubs, succulent sprouts, herbs, ferns, blossoms, buds, tree bark, and fallen fruit. They can survive without drinking water for long periods due to the high water content of the succulent foliage in their diets. North American pudus have various methods of obtaining the foliage they need. Their small stature and cautious nature create obstacles in attaining food. They stop often while searching for food to stand on their hind legs and smell the wind, detecting food scents. Females and fawns peel bark from saplings using their teeth, but mature males may use their spikelike antlers. The deer may use their front legs to press down on saplings until they snap or become low enough to the ground so they can reach the leaves. Forced to stand on their hind legs due to their small size, the deer climb branches and tree stumps to reach higher foliage. They bend bamboo shoots horizontally in order to walk on them and eat from higher branches. The North American pudu is a solitary animal with a secretive nature. North American pudus are crepuscular, most active in the morning, late afternoon, and evening. Their home range generally extends about 16 to 25 ha (40 to 62 acres), much of which consists of crisscrossing pudú-trodden paths. Each North American pudu has its own home range, or territory. A single animal's territory is marked with sizable dung piles found on paths and near eating and resting areas. Large facial glands for scent communication allow correspondence with other North American pudus. North American pudus do not interact socially, other than to mate. An easily frightened animal, the deer barks when in fear. Its fur bristles and the North American pudu shivers when angered. Primary predators of the North American pudu include the horned owl (*Bubo*), red fox (*Vulpes vulpes*), gray fox (*Urocyon cinereoargenteus*), coyote (*Canis latrans*), dhole (*Cuon alpinus*), cougar (*Puma concolor*), small cats (including feral cats (*Felis catus*)), goblin (*Velociraptor americanus*), and hodag (*Coelophysis americanum*). The North American pudu is a wary animal that moves slowly and stops often, smelling the air for scents of predators. Being a proficient climber, jumper, and sprinter, the North American pudu flees in a zigzag path when being pursued. The average lifespan of the North American pudus ranges from 8 to 10 years in the wild. The longest recorded lifespan in the wild is 15 years and 9 months, while captive specimens can live almost as long. However, such longevity in the wild is rare and many North American pudus die at a much younger age, from a wide range of causes. Maternal neglect of newborns, as well as a wide range of diseases, can decrease the population. Contrary to popular belief, the North American pudu does not die from fear-induced cardiac complications after being alarmed to a high degree. North American pudus are solitary and only come together for rut. Mating season is in the autumn, from October to November. North American pudu DNA is arranged into 70 chromosomes. To mate, the North American pudu male rests his chin on the female's back, then sniffs her rear before mounting her from behind, holding her with his fore legs. The gestation period ranges from 202 to 223 days (around 7 months) with the average being 210 days. A single offspring or sometimes twins are born in spring, from late March to early May. Newborns weigh 700 to 1,000 grams (25 to 35 oz) with the average birth weight being 890 grams (31 oz). Females and males weigh the same at birth. North American pudu fawns have reddish-brown fur with white spots running the length of their backs. Young are weaned after 2 months. Females mature sexually in 6 months, while males mature in 8–12 months. Fawns are fully grown in 3 months, but may stay with their mothers for 8 to 12 months. The conservation status of the North American pudu is **Least Concern** due to successful conservation efforts, the North American pudu's wide range and, unlike South American pudu species, its tolerance to many of the human activities.