MEET THE WORLD’S SMALLEST DEER | New York Post MEET THE WORLD’S SMALLEST DEER Comment(required) May 22, 2008 | 7:11am Today’s page looks at a deer that’s about the size of the average family dog. THE little pudu is one amazing deer. Pudu are the smallest species of deer on Earth. The animal is native to Argentina and Chile in South America. There are two species of pudu: the northern pudu, which stands about 12 to 14 inches tall, and the southern or Chilean pudu, which is a bit taller at 14 to 16 inches. Like all grazing animals, pudus are vegetarians, living on a diet of grass, leaves, twigs, seeds and fallen fruit. They often have to stand on their hind legs to reach foliage. But, unlike their bigger cousins, the pudu can also climb fallen trees – a handy skill when trying to escape predators or grab a meal from on high. It also proves that bigger is not always better. The animal is very wary and pauses often to check the wind for the scent of food and signs of predators.

When chased, they run in a zigzag pattern, making them hard to catch. They also bark when threatened. These animals are excellent jumpers, sprinters and climbers. The pudu’s predators include cougars, the Magellan fox, the Andes fox, small cats and the eagle owl. The pudu’s natural habitat is the dense forests of South America. The aanimals devise a complex and well-defined system of paths, which help them quickly navigate the undergrowth of the forest. These paths also include excellent places to get food and shelter. Pudus are solitary animals, meaning they like to be on their own. They come together only to mate. Pudus mate in the fall and give birth to one or two fawn in the spring. The young reach physical maturity at just 3 months. Like their bigger cousins, males are distinguished by antlers. The pudu’s coat is short, coarse and reddish brown. They are most active during the day and can survive for long periods of time without drinking water, getting their needed moisture from succulent plants.

The pudu’s lifespan is eight to 10 years, but the creatures are being endangered by the loss of their habitat, as well as by diseases and parasites, such as heartworms, contracted through contact with domestic dogs. The Wildlife Conservation Society is working to protect the habitat of these animals in their native South American homeland. You can check out the pint-sized pudus, Josephine and Napoleon at the Queens Zoo in Flushing. It was love at first site for these normally solitary critters. According to their keeper, the pair really like each other and often curl up together, something that probably would not happen in the wild. The Queens Zoo is also part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, which brings these unique animals up close and personal and also works to replicate their natural habitat in captivity as well as helping to preserve their habitat in the wild. Visit for hours and admission prices. Today’s page fulfills the following standards: ELA 1c, 3c, 3d, 5a; Social Studies Standard 3; Science 2c. NEW YORK POST ACTIVITIES USE the Internet or other reference source to learn more about pudus and other members of the deer family.

What are the similarities and differences between pudus and their larger cousins? USE a map or globe to locate Argentina and Chile, the native home of the pudus. PUDUS have unique methods of protection, including running in a zigzag pattern, their climbing ability and barking. Make a list of other animals and ways that they protect themselves. Share this: Pudu - ZooBorns Pudu A baby Pudu, the world's smallest species of deer, was born at the United Kingdom’s Bristol Zoo in May. Photo Credit: Bob Pitchford Weighing only about two pounds at birth, Pudu fawns have distinctive white-spotted markings on their backs, which help provide camouflage from predators. Because the zoo staff can’t get too close to the fawn yet, they don’t know its gender. The fawn is being raised by its mother. Pudus are native to lowland temperate rainforests in Chile and southwest Argentina. They are usually active at night, when they emerge to feed on leaves, bark, and fallen fruit. In the wild, Pudu populations are declining as their rain forest habitat is cleared for cattle ranching and other human development. The Bristol Zoo participates in an international conservation breeding program for the species.

Pudus are classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. See more photos of the Pudu fawn below. May 14, 2015 Visitors to Zoo Berlin can enjoy the spring weather, while watching the Southern Pudu fawns roam their exhibit with the rest of their group. The fawns, a male and female, were born in the early spring and are still sporting the spotted coats of their youth. Photo Credits: Zoo Berlin “That Pudu live together in groups, at the Zoo, is quite unusual,” reveals Tobias Rahde, Curator for Deer, at Zoo Berlin. “In nature, more than two Pudu are never sighted together. The Pudu group in Zoo Berlin is apparently in unusual harmony.” The Pudu is the world’s smallest deer. It consists of two subspecies of South American deer from the genus Pudu: the Northern Pudu (native to Columbia, Ecuador, and Peru) and the Southern Pudu (found in Chile and southwestern Argentina). They inhabit temperate rainforests, where the dense underbrush and bamboo thickets offer protection from predators.

The Pudu grows to a max height of 13 to 17 inches (32 to 44cm) at the shoulder and up to 33 inches (85cm) in length. They normally weigh up to 26 lbs (12 kg). Males have short, spiked antlers that are not forked. The antlers, which shed annually, can extend from 2.6 to 3 inches (6.5 to 7.5 cm) in length. Coat coloration varies with season, gender, and individual genes. The fur is long, stiff and reddish-brown to dark-brown in hue. Pudus are solitary and do not, normally, interact with one another, unless during mating season. Easily frightened, they bark when in fear, and their fur bristles when angered. Wild predators include: the Horned Owl, Andean Fox, Magellan Fox, Cougar, and other small cats. The Pudu is often slow-moving, but they are quite proficient climbers, jumpers, and sprinters when being pursued. Their lifespan, in the wild, ranges from 8 to 10 years.

Pudus are herbivorous and can survive without drinking water for long periods due to the high water content of the foliage they consume. In their native habitat, their mating season occurs in the Southern Hemisphere’s autumn, from April to May. Gestation ranges from 202 to 223 days (about 7 months), with the average being 210 days. A single offspring or sometimes twins are born in austral spring, from November to January. Fawns have a reddish-born fur, and Southern Pudu fawns have white spots running the length of their backs. Young are weaned after 2 months and are considered fully-grown at 3 months, but may stay with their mothers for 8 to 12 months. Both species of Pudus are classified as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List , due mainly to overhunting and habitat loss. Efforts to preserve the species are being taken before they become extinct. An international captive-breeding program for the Southern Pudu, led by Concepcion University, in Chile, has been started. Deer have been successfully bred in captivity and reintroduced into Nahuel Huapi National Park, in Argentina.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species has banned the international trading of Pudus. June 24, 2014 Scarlet the Pudu fawn at Edinburgh Zoo has been keeping her keepers busy with around the clock bottle feeds. The newborn Southern Pudu sadly lost her mother at two and a half weeks, but her dedicated keepers stepped in to hand-rear the tiny fawn. Hoofstock keeper,Liah Etemad, said: “Sadly Scarlet lost her mother at a really young age after birth exasperated an underlying untreatable condition. It was touch and go for a while for the fawn as she was being mother reared, but her keeper’s have worked around the clock to nourish and nurture the little fawn and she is doing so well now. “Scarlet started on seven to eight bottled feeds of milk each day, getting her first feed early in the morning, throughout the day and then into the early hours. She is steadily gaining weight each day. During the first week after mum died she was cared for solely by her keepers, but then at four weeks she was reintroduced to her dad Normski.

We were all delighted how well it went and the two were soon cuddled up together in the evenings and he maintains a watchful eye over her during the day. The fact she and her father have bonded so well means that he is teaching her natural Pudu behaviour." “It has taken a lot of time and commitment from keepers, and at seven weeks old we are still giving her a small number of bottles during the day, but we could not be happier to see little Scarlet thrive. She has done so well that visitors are able to see her with dad at our Pudu enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo.” Southern Pudus are normally found in southern Chile and south-western Argentina and are actually the world’s smallest deer. When fully grown they stand only at 38cm high and weigh around 9 to 15kg. Adults are reddish to dark brown and fawns have spots until they are a few months old. Females tend to give birth to a single fawn weighing around 1kg, which is weaned at around two months. Pudu are classified as a vulnerable species as their numbers have declined due to their primary rainforest habitat being destroyed and cleared for cattle ranching and other human developments.

July 16, 2013 A rare Southern Pudu, the world’s smallest species of deer, was born at the Wildlife Conservation Society's (WCS) Queens Zoo in New York. The young doe weighed one pound at her birth on July 8th, and could weigh as much as 20 pounds as an adult. The fawn is still nursing but will soon transition to fresh leaves, grain, kale, carrots, and hay. Pudu are extraordinary creatures. Although small in stature, only 12 to 14 inches at the shoulder, Pudu are excellent jumpers, sprinters, and climbers. What the Pudu lacks in size, it makes up in strategy: when chased, Pudu run in a zigzag pattern to escape predation. They will bark when they sense danger and can climb fallen trees. Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher / WCS Southern Pudu are native to Chile and Argentina, and are designated Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. Using research and conservation practices, WCS is working in the Pudu’s range countries to grapple with habitat loss and other threats to wildlife.

Visit WCS's website if you're interested in making a donation to help save wildlife and wild places. June 13, 2013 The latest big thing at the Detroit Zoo is actually quite small. A female Southern Pudu, the smallest species of deer, was born on May 20th. The fawn is the fifth Pudu born at the zoo since the species was introduced in 2008. The fawn is a welcome addition to the captive population of Pudus, according to Detroit Zoological Society Curator of Mammals Robert Lessnau. “There are less than thirty Pudus in U.S. zoos, so this birth is significant, especially since the baby is a female.” The fawn joins her parents, 6-year-old Carol and 7-year-old T. Roy, and sister Hamill Girl – born in 2012 – in their habitat near two other South American mammals, the giant anteaters and bush dogs.

Photo credits: first photo by Lee Fisher, second photo by Patti Truesdell Found in the temperate rainforests of southern Chile and Argentina, the Southern Pudu can reach a height of 18 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 25 pounds at maturity. The tiny deer has reddish-brown fur and diminutive features, including rounded ears, small black eyes and short legs. Fawns are weaned at two months old, and reach their full adult size at three months old. The Southern Pudu is listed as ‘threatened’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. A decrease in available habitat, subsistence hunting and poaching for the exotic pet trade contribute to their decline. Additional factors include predation by domestic dogs and competition with non-native species of deer. June 12, 2013 This little Southern Pudu baby was born at Sweden's Parken Zoo to parents Odense and André. Keepers weighed the baby and the scale showed 2 pounds (1.36 kg). In the wild, a baby usually remains hidden in the first days of life, only emerging to nurse when the mother visits.

After a few weeks, it joins its mother in her normal range, staying with her for about eight to 12 months. This baby will lose its white spots once it's about 3 to 5 months old. At 8 months, males begin growing their first spike antlers, which eventually reach 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) high when they are 7 years old. The Southern Pudu is an endangered species. Their future in the wild remains uncertain, as their natural habitat is diminished due to overpopulation, clearing of land for agriculture, logging, hunting and other human activities. Helping conserve the species through zoo efforts is therefore key. Photo Credit: Parken Zoo Southern Pudu are normally active at twilight and during the night. The live in dense underbrush and bamboo thickets. Considered the smallest species of deer in the world, their small stature aids them greatly in escaping their predators. With it's short legs and it's body mass so close to the ground, the Southern Pudu can easily zig zag through dense vegitation and rocks when pursued.Pudus tend to live alone or in pairs. These deer are almost never found in groups of more than three animals.

Related articles May 29, 2013 Photo credit: Tom Svensson / Nordens Ark On April 30th, Nordens Ark in Sweden welcomed a pint sized baby, a male Southern Pudu. It is the sixth fawn born at the zoo since it began housing and breeding the species eight years ago in an effort to help conserve this tiny South American deer species. The little boy has been spending his days in an enclosure with his parents for visitors to see. You can get a glimpse of the little guy in the video below! Pudu, native to South America, are known for being the smallest species of deer measuring under a foot and a half tall and around 25 pounds. They are separated into two subspecies, the Northern Pudu and the Southern Pudu. The southern variety can be found on the slopes of the Southern Andes at elevations up to 6,600 feet. They live in temperate rain forests, using their small size to help them take cover in undergrowth to avoid predators. They live on a herbivorous diet that includes a wide range of different types of plant matter.

Both subspecies of Pudu are classified as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to overhunting and habitat loss. Zoos around the world are helping to conserve this species through captive breeding programs and re-introduction efforts. September 30, 2012 A tiny female Pudu fawn was born at the Detroit Zoo on September 7 to parents T. Roy and Carol. Weighing only 2.3 pounds (1.06 kg) at birth, the diminutive deer is the fourth Pudu born at the zoo since 2008. Due to habitat loss, Pudus are listed as Threatened by the IUCN. Many programs are underway to protect Pudus from possible extinction, including releasing Pudus born in South American zoos back to their wild habitat. Pudus are the world's smallest deer species. Weighing only about 26 pounds and standing 15 inches at the shoulder as adults, Pudus live in South America's temperate rain forests. They feed on leaves and fruit as they move through the dense underbrush, and rarely need to drink due to the high water content of their diet.

Little is konwn about Pudus in the wild, because they inhabit remote regions on mountain slopes at relatively high elevations over 6,000 feet. Despite their small size, they are agile climbers and jumpers. Photo & Video Credits: Lee Ann Fisher & Patti Truesdell July 21, 2012 A baby Pudu, the world's smallest species of deer, recently made his debut at the UK's Bristol Zoo Gardens . This male Pudu was born May 6 and has recently ventured out into his paddock for the first time. The fawn weighed only about two pounds (1kg) at birth. At one month, he weighed only four pounds (1.8kg) -- about half the weight of a newborn human baby! The tiny youngster is part of an international conservation breeding program. As with all Pudu fawns, he has distinctive white spotted markings on his back which help to camouflage him from predators. Assistant curator for mammals Lynsey Bugg said, “Behaviour at the moment is still what you would expect from a young fawn. He enjoys hiding in shrubs and undergrowth where he feels most secure.

Mum is very good at moving him around as she sees fit but he will always choose a quiet and secluded spot to settle." Pudus are classified as a vulnerable species. They live in lowland temperate rainforests in Chile and south-west Argentina but their numbers have declined due to their rainforest habitat being destroyed and cleared for cattle ranching and other human developments, as well as natural predators such as pumas and foxes. Pudus are the world’s smallest species of deer, standing about 14" (38cm) at the shoulder when fully grown and weighing around 20-33 pounds (9-15kg). A male’s antlers only grow to four inches (10cm) long. Photo Credits: Bristol Zoo ADW: Pudu puda: INFORMATION References Geographic Range Southern pudus are native to southern Chile and southwestern Argentina. Their range occupies the space between the Maule River as the northern boundary and Chiloé province as the southern boundary. They can be found in humid temperate rainforests that occupy parts of both Chile and Argentina and along the Cordilleran coast. More southern pudus are found on Chiloé Island than on mainland Chile.

Southern pudus originally ranged from 35 degrees south to 53 degrees south, but with decreasing population density. ( Hershkovitz, 1982 ; Junge, 1966 ; Meier and Merino, 2007 ; Miller, et al., 1983 ) Biogeographic Regions native Habitat Southern pudus mostly dwell in second-growth or previously disturbed forests. They also inhabit temperate evergreen rainforests and deciduous forests. Southern pudus prefer areas of understory with small trees and low-lying vegetation. The dense vegetation that is found in lowland habitats consists of avellano (Gevuina avellana), chilco (Fuchsia magellanica), luma (Amomyrtus luma), maqui (Aristotelia chilensis), tiaca (Caldcluvia paniculata) and, at higher latitudes, quila bamboo (Chusquea quila) and colihue (Chusquea culeou). Some researchers suggest that living near water is an important aspect of their habitat.

Southern pudus seek protection from the sun beneath a shady canopy or in valleys, as they appear to be heat-intolerant. They occupy lowlands and are typically not found at altitudes above 1,700 m. There is constant snow cover over about 2,000 meters, which is a likely deterrent to southern pudus. Southern pudus in southern Chile and southwestern Argentina experience high levels of year-long precipitation, mild, wet winters and short, dry summers. In the range of southern pudus, mean annual precipitation was measured at 2 to 4 meters. Southern pudus at higher elevations may migrate downwards in winter and inhabit warm valleys (Molina in Hershkovitz 1982).

( Bubenik, et al., 2000 ; Eldridge, et al., 1987 ; Hershkovitz, 1982 ; Jiménez, 2010 ; Junge, 1966 ; Macnamara and Eldridge, 1987 ; Meyer, et al., 2008 ) Habitat Regions 0.00 to 5577.43 ft Physical Description Southern pudus are the second smallest deer in the world. Generally, they are larger than northern pudus ( Pudu mephistophiles ), and smaller than dwarf brocket ( Mazama chunyi ). Average height measured at the shoulder is from 35 to 45 cm and body length is short, usually not exceeding 85 cm. They typically weigh between 6.5 and 13.5 kg, with females weighing approximately 1 kg less than males. Growth rate in southern pudus is 53 grams per day until adult weight is achieved. Southern pudus are short with short legs, the rump is not raised, which distinguishes them from other cervids .

They have slender hooves with an interdigital gland enclosed in a deep pocket, a short snout, and their ears are not pointed. The tail is small and concealed; it ranges from 30 to 40 mm in length. Southern pudus have short rostra because of reduced premaxilla and nasal bones and a short diastema. Skull length ranges from approximately 134 to 155 mm, while braincase width ranges from approximately 47 to 51 mm. Zygomatic breadth ranges from approximately 64 to 70 mm. Nasal bone width has a reported range from 31 to 44 mm and the diastema measures approximately 35 to 43 mm in length. The incisors have rectangular crowns (Traub in Jiménez 2010). The dental formula of southern pudus is not reported but other members of the Family Cervidae have the following formula: I 0/3, C 0/1, P 3/3, M 3/3 = 32. Cervids typically lack one premolar in both their deciduous and adult set of teeth.

The upper canine is sometimes present in fawns, but is not present in adults. ( Bonacic, et al., 2003 ; Bubenik, et al., 2000 ; Clarke, et al., 2010 ; Hershkovitz, 1982 ; Hick, 1969 ; Jarman, 1983 ; Jiménez, 2010 ; Junge, 1966 ; Meyer, et al., 2008 ; Pontier, et al., 1989 ; Reyes, et al., 1993 ; Ziegler, 1971 ) Besides a slightly larger mass and small antlers on males, there is limited sexual dimorphism between males and females as both sexes have similar height and appearance and reach their adult weight at approximately the same time early in life. The appearance of the glans penis on males is similar to that of Odocoileus species. Southern pudu fur color is a dark red-brown and the hue varies between individuals and between seasons.

The fur is strong and stiff but sparse with approximately 800 to 2500 hairs per square cm on the trunk. Individual hairs are long and characteristically hollow. Juveniles show three rows of lighter spots on their dorsal surface that are lost by the age of 8 weeks. Southern pudus shed their fur in both the spring and in the fall and it was reported that fur color in captive species became darker after the September molt. Northern pudus ( Pudu mephistophiles ) are smaller, with shorter legs and have dark brown to black color on the ears, chin, face, forefeet, and hindfeet whereas southern pudus are larger, brown with red markings on the ears and chin. Southern pudus have visible preorbital glands, while northern pudus do not. The preorbital gland is large with a wide opening on the rostrum. These glands are not as visible on female southern pudus. The antlers of males are very small (between 60 and 90 mm). Antlers first form on young males between the ages of 9 to 12 months.

New antler growth occurs mostly in July, which correlates with decreased levels of leutinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone. The antlers mature and are polished by November as LH and testosterone levels start to rise again, and are shed in the austral summer months. Females do not produce antlers. At some latitudes, pudus shed the velvet of the antlers. Southern pudus living at higher latitudes have a higher metabolic rate and higher levels of triiodothyronine. A specific metabolic rate for the southern pudu is not yet reported, but artiodactyls have relatively high metabolic rates compared to other mammalian orders.

( Bonacic, et al., 2003 ; Bubenik, et al., 2000 ; Clarke, et al., 2010 ; Hershkovitz, 1982 ; Hick, 1969 ; Jarman, 1983 ; Jiménez, 2010 ; Junge, 1966 ; Pontier, et al., 1989 ; Reyes, et al., 1993 ; Ziegler, 1971 ) Other Physical Features 33.46 (high) in Reproduction Because southern pudus are elusive and cryptic, most of what is know about the reproduction and mating system has been learned via captive animals. Southern pudus have a polygynous mating system. In wild populations, southern pudus form pair bonds in the fall and mate. The male is attracted to a female in estrus and will approach the female in a low, slow crouch. After the male judges the female’s responsiveness by sniffing and licking, they proceed to engage in butting the groin or sides, followed by grooming.

For a three-day period, the male mounts the doe repeatedly and intercourse occurs for two to three seconds each time. ( Hershkovitz, 1982 ; Reyes, et al., 1993 ) Mating System polygynous The mating season occurs from April to June and gestation lasts approximately 7 months. Female southern pudus may employ delayed implantation. The exact length of gestation is debatable. One researcher noted that it lasts between 203 and 223 days, while another claims it can be between 197 and 223 days. This is a very long gestation when compared with other, heavier deer. Most fawns are born in austral spring, between November and January. Females have one fawn per year, though it is not uncommon for her to have twins. Over the female’s entire lifespan, the mean number of offspring is 3.88 fawns. Southern pudus are seasonally polyestrous breeder with a cycle lasting approximately 11 days (Vidal et al. 2012). Cycle length is variable and responsive to seasonal and environmental cues, particularly photoperiod and food quality.

Males exhibit peak levels of various reproductive hormones at different times of the year. One study indicated that follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone peaked twice within a single year. The peaks are suggested to be associated with antler mineralization and rutting behavior. Another study suggests that it is luteinizing hormone and testosterone that have two annual peaks, while follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin have only one peak. An endocrine study performed in 1993 found that testosterone and leutenizing hormone had one peak level in March, during the rut. Furthermore, spermatogenesis increases substantially only during the mating ruts, though it lasts for several months afterwards. Males are fertile approximately 7 months of the year. There is also an increase in testes size during these peaks. There are two peaks of cortisol levels in male pudu that are likely associated with elevated stress levels; one peak during the rut and the other in August. Southern pudus can breed twice per year. If a female does not become pregnant between April and June, she can ovulate again between November and January when males reach their second peak of reproductive hormones. Further research is required to understand the regulation of such a breeding pattern.

( Bubenik, et al., 2000 ; Hershkovitz, 1982 ; Hick, 1969 ; Jiménez, 2010 ; Reyes, et al., 1993 ; Vidal, et al., 2012 ) Key Reproductive Features Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male) 6 to 18 months Most of what is known about parental investment in southern pudus was studied in captive animals. Young are born precocial, with their eyes open, and are able to stand after birth. When they are born, fawns are approximately 20 cm in height and weigh less than 1 kg (Jiménez 2010). The female parent cares entirely for her offspring. The female ingests the afterbirth and licks the offspring clean. She attempts to stimulate urination and defecation in the infant. The mother allows her infant to suckle within an hour after birth. The female’s milk is composed of fat, albumin, lactose and high quantities of sodium and potassium. Under captive conditions, when an infant would bleat, the mother rushed to her offspring and allowed nursing.

According to one study, a fawn was last seen suckling at 30 days old, but when the fawn attempted to suckle at 60 days old, it was rejected by the mother. Another study states that the weaning age is 1.8 months, at an approximate weight of 3 kg. Young fawns become independent from their parents at approximately 8 months old. Young southern pudus must establish a new home range away from their parents due to their solitary nature. ( Eldridge, et al., 1987 ; Hershkovitz, 1982 ; Hick, 1969 ; Jiménez, 2010 ; Lee, et al., 1991 ; Vidal, et al., 2012 ) Parental Investment Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research Behavior Southern pudus show relatively high levels of daily activity. They are active both during the day and night. They tend to rest and groom during the middle of the day and are active during the late afternoon, evening, and morning. Southern pudus exhibit play behavior; they skip, run and playfully fight with each other.

They groom themselves by licking their fur and combing their fur it with their incisors. They rub their antlers and scrape their teeth on trees and some plants. Weather appears to play a role in their activity levels. Southern pudus shows more activity on windy days rather than calm days, an indicator of their intolerance to heat. Though not solitary, southern pudus appear to move together when feeding, but do not form groups larger than 2 or 3. However, most of the time, southern pudus are solitary, cryptic, and sedentary. Southern pudus can easily adapt to many temperature zones in which other deer can live, as demonstrated by their behavior in captivity. When exposed to prolonged cold during the spring and summer months of the southern hemisphere, southern pudus have a seasonal peak in triiodothyronine, as it adjusts its metabolic rate. Most of what is known about southern pudu hierarchy systems was gathered from captive animals. They form dominance hierarchies and are highly territorial. The hierarchy usually includes one dominant male, followed by subordinate males then juvenile males, with females as the most subordinate. A hierarchy exists among females as well. Dominant pudu males have higher levels of insulin-like growth factor and testosterone compared to subordinate bucks.

If two males of similar size encounter one another, it often results in a fight. A male pudu will fight and kill an intruder of the same sex. Southern pudus use submissive postures when frightened, exhausted or in the presence of dominant animals; laying down completely flat with the neck horizontal and extended, crouching with the tail down, or lowering the neck and avoiding eye contact while standing. Southern pudus can also show aggressive postures; pointing their antlers at an opponent, standing still near the opponent with the snout raised in the air, or with the head low as if preparing to butt the opponent. They use a broadside display, where the animal arches their back and shifts their weight to the hind limbs, the tail is held horizontal, the preorbital glands throb and their ears are erect. A dominant pudu will chase a submissive pudu until exhaustion while attempting to hit the opponent with their forelimbs or attempting to bite the opponent. Home range size is variable among southern pudus and has been recorded in one study as being from 16 to 26.1 hectares in size.

Another study showed home ranges that varied from 2 to 200 hectares (Ramilo in Jiménez 2010). ( Bubenik, et al., 2000 ; Cortés, et al., 1988 ; Eldridge, et al., 1987 ; Hershkovitz, 1982 ; Hick, 1969 ; Junge, 1966 ; Macnamara and Eldridge, 1987 ) Key Behaviors dominance hierarchies Home Range Home range is variable among southern pudus and has been recorded in one study as being from 16 to 26.1 hectares in size. Another study showed home ranges that varied from 2 to 200 hectares (Ramilo in Jiménez 2010). ( Eldridge, et al., 1987 ; Jiménez, 2010 ) Communication and Perception Southern pudus rely heavily on olfaction as a means of foraging and investigating. They sample the environment by sniffing, chewing and licking objects around them. Afterwards, they exhibit a flehmen response.

They have large preorbital glands in deep lacrimal fossa and southern pudus mark an object by rubbing their gland against it. This can occur during a dominance display, courtship ritual, or when they are stressed. Southern pudus potentially use elimination postures as a form of communication. Males and females each have different postures when urinating or defecating, both serve to spread their scent. In captive species, a urinating female pudu will attract a male pudu and he will lick and smell the female. Pudus can also leave their scent by antler rubbing. ( Jiménez, 2010 ; Macnamara and Eldridge, 1987 ) Communication Channels chemical Food Habits Southern pudus use a network of trails to move to feeding areas throughout the day. They prefer to eat at the edges of forests or clearings where there are abundant small, growing plants, rather than deep within the forest. They are highly selective in what they eat. They are browser feeders and feed on leaves of ferns, trees, vines, herbs and shrubs. They can stand on the hind legs or fallen logs to reach food.

Their competitors include other herbivores: European roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus ), fallow deer ( Dama dama ) and European hares ( Lepus europaeus ). Southern pudus are ruminants, with four-chambered stomachs. The mean transit time of a meal is approximately 29.9 hours. In captivity, southern pudus eat a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and fungi. Plant foods include: Gevuina avellana, Fuschia magellanica, Ugni molinae, Berberis buxifolia, Crinodendron bookerianum, Pernettya pumila, Azala species, Nothofagus species ferns, tree foliage, vines, herbs, shrubs, twigs, buds, berries, fruit, roses, plantain, and clover. Other types of foods include: alfalfa hay, cereal, and vegetables, acorns, nuts, and salt.

( Conklin-Brittain and Dierenfeld, 1996 ; Eldridge, et al., 1987 ; Henning, et al., 2011 ; Hershkovitz, 1982 ; Jiménez, 2010 ; Macnamara and Eldridge, 1987 ) Primary Diet fungus Predation The main natural predators of southern pudus main are pumas ( Puma concolor ). Southern pudus are one of the most important prey for Chilean pumas. Other predators include foxes (Dusicyon grisseus), spotted cats (Felis guigna and Felis colocolo), kod-kods ( Leopardus guigna ), domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), and owls ( Bubo bubo ). There has been an increase in the number of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) in the range of southern pudus, increasing the instances of attack and death of pudus. Domestic dogs also interfere in the success of southern pudus via increased disease transmission and resource competition. To flee from predators, southern pudus hide in small tunnels or burrows.

Because pudus tire quickly, there is little likelihood of them evading a chasing domestic dog. ( Eldridge, et al., 1987 ; Henning, et al., 2011 ; Hershkovitz, 1982 ; Jiménez, 2010 ; Junge, 1966 ; Rau and Jiménez, 2002 ; Silva-Rodríguez and Sieving, 2012 ) Known Predators kodkods ( Leopardus guigna ) Ecosystem Roles Several parasites have been reported, including gastrointestinal nematodes, lice, flies, and ticks. Reported parasites include Sarcosystis species, Trichostrongylus axei, Oesophagostomun venulosum, Ostertagia species, Cooperia species, Nematodirus species, Cysticerces teniucollis, Linguatula serrata , Ixodes taglei , Ixodes stilesi . Southern pudus carry lice, including the species Bovicola caprae and Solenopotes binipilosus were discovered on pudus in one study.

The appearance of lice on southern pudus is thought to be an accidental transmission from nearby goats. Because southern pudus are herbivores and browsers, they impact vegetation abundance, consumption and growth. They can modify abundance of a particular tree species, and also facilitate spreading of seedlings. This could be harmful if the seedlings being distributed were from an introduced plant or tree species. If southern pudus prefer eating native species of plants and trees, this offers an opportunity for invasive species to infiltrate further as their competition is decreased. One study focused on how non-native deer influenced the spread of invasive vegetation, but additional research is needed to understand what impact southern pudu diet has on native and non-native vegetation. Southern pudus play an important role for other small animals that inhabit the same forests. Southern pudus build and maintain tunnels in the underbrush, which allows small animals to pass through and remain undetected by predators.

( González-Acuña, et al., 2004 ; Hershkovitz, 1982 ; Relva, et al., 2010 ) Ecosystem Impact body parts are source of valuable material research and education Economic Importance for Humans: Negative Because pumas ( Puma concolor ) subsist mainly on southern pudus, declining pudu populations cause a bottom-up effect in the trophic scale and may affect ecosystems as pumas shift their diet to other prey. Southern pudus carry several ecto and endoparasites that are transmissable to humans, including gastrointestinal nematodes, lice, ticks, and flies. There are reports that southern pudus contract and die from disease, though little research has been conducted. For example, foot and mouth disease, poxvirus infection, bacterial infections, and bovine pestevirus have all been reported in southern pudus. There is a published report of a southern pudu dying from Arcanobacterium pyogenes septicemia. These diseases could have adverse effects on the populations of people who eat pudu meat.

( González-Acuña, et al., 2004 ; Hershkovitz, 1982 ; Jiménez, 2010 ; Junge, et al., 2000 ; Twomey, et al., 2010 ) Negative Impacts causes or carries domestic animal disease Conservation Status Population sizes of southern pudus have not been well-studied, but evidence suggests populations are in decline. It is estimated that their population is in the thousands and continuously diminishing due to the introduction of domestic dogs in their range, vehicular accidents, introduction of other cervid species, parasite infection, being hunted for their meat and fur, and habitat loss from human land use. Unfortunately, skins of southern pudus are traded, both legally and illegally.

( Bubenik, et al., 2000 ; Eldridge, et al., 1987 ; Hershkovitz, 1982 ; Iriarte, et al., 1997 ; Jiménez, 2010 ; Novillo and Ojeda, 2008 ; Silva-Rodríguez, et al., 2011 ) An invasive species of deer, chital ( Axis axis ), introduced into Argentina in 1906, competes with southern pudus for resources and displaces them. Another cervid species, elk or red deer Cervus elaphus , was introduced in the early 20th century and has caused damaging effects on forest and vegetation within the southern pudu range. Because of their declining populations, captive breeding programs were established at state parks and at the University of Concepcion. In 1994-1995, 23 establishments in Chile had captive breeding programs for southern pudus. Several strategies have been suggested to maintain pudu populations, monitor their population size, understand their threats and pressures and eliminate or control those specific threats.

For example, a feral dog management plan within pudu ranges would likely assist in the conservation of pudu populations. ( Bubenik, et al., 2000 ; Eldridge, et al., 1987 ; Hershkovitz, 1982 ; Iriarte, et al., 1997 ; Jiménez, 2010 ; Novillo and Ojeda, 2008 ; Silva-Rodríguez, et al., 2011 ) young are relatively well-developed when born References Bonacic, C., J. Riveros, F. Bas. 2003. Herbivores in the agro-ecosystems of Latin America. Proceedings of the VI International Symposium on the Nutrition of Herbivores: 1-23. Bubenik, G., E. Reyes, D. Schams, L. Bartos. 2000. Pudu, the smallest deer of the world: 10 years of endocrine studies of the Southern pudu Pudu puda in Chile.

Zeitschrift für Jagdwissenschaft, 46(3): 129-138. Clarke, A., P. Rothery, N. Isaac. 2010. Scaling of basal metabolic rate with body mass and temperature in mammals. Journal of Animal Ecology, 79(3): 610-619. Conklin-Brittain, N., E. Dierenfeld. 1996. Small Ruminants: Digestive capacity differences among four species weighing less than 20 kg. Zoo Biology, 15(5): 481-490. Cortés, R., A. Angulo, R. Guzmán, E. Reyes. 1988. Comportamiento del pudu (Pudu puda (Molina)) en cautiverio (Mammalia, Cervidae). Gayana Zoologia, 52(1-2): 3-14. Eldridge, W., M. Macnamara, N. Pacheco. 1987.

Activity Patterns and Habitat Utilization of Pudus (Pudu puda) in South-Central Chile. Research Symposia of the National Zoological Park: Biology and Management of the Cervidae: 352-370. González-Acuña, D., D. del Castro, L. Moreno, E. Mey. 2004. First records of lice (Insecta:Phthiraptera) from wild southern Pudu puda (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Cervidae). European Journal of Wildlife Research, 50(4): 216-217. Henning, B., M. Gómez, L. Mieres, L. Freeman, D. Herzberg, O. Aleuy. 2011. Anatomical study of the gastrointestinal tract of a pudu (Pudu puda) using contrast-enhanced abdominal computer tomography. Anatomia Histologia Embryologia, 41(2): 106-112. Hershkovitz, P. 1982. Neotropical deer (Cervidae) Part 1.

Pudus, genus Pudu Gray. Field Museum of Natural History: Field Museum of Natural History. Hick, U. 1969. Successful raising of a pudu Pudu pudu at Cologne Zoo. International Zoo Yearbook, 9(1): 110-112. Iriarte, J., P. Feinsinger, F. Jaksic. 1997. Trends in wildlife use and trade in Chile. Biological Conservation, 81: 9-20. Jarman, P. 1983. Mating system and sexual dimorphism in large, terrestrial, mammalian herbivores. Biological Reviews, 58(4): 485-520. Jiménez, J. 2010. Neotropical Cervidology: Biology and Medicine of Latin American deer. Jaboticabal, Brazil: Funep. Junge, C. 1966. Pudu (Pudu pudu) at Chillan Viejo Zoo. International Zoo Yearbook, 6(1): 263-264. Junge, R., M. Duncan, R. Miller, D.

Gregg, M. Kombert. 2000. Clinical presentation and antiviral therapy for poxvirus infection in pudu (Pudu puda). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 31: 412-418. Lee, P., P. Majluf, I. Gordon. 1991. Growth, weaning and maternal investment from a comparative perspective. Journal of Zoology, 225: 99-114. Macnamara, M., W. Eldridge. 1987. Behavior and reproduction in captive pudu (Pudu puda) and red brocket (Mazama americana), a descriptive and comparative analysis. Pp. 371-387 in C Wemmer, ed. Biology and Management of the Cervidae. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press. Meier, D., M. Merino. 2007. Distribution and habitat features of southern pudu (Pudu puda Molina, 1782) in Argentina. Mammalian Biology, 72: 204-212.

Meyer, W., U. Seegers, M. Bock. 2008. Annual secretional activity of the skin glands in the Southern pudu (Pudu puda Molina 1782, Cervidae). Mammalian Biology, 73: 392-395. Miller, S., J. Rottmann, K. Raedeke, R. Taber. 1983. Endangered Mammals of Chile: Status and Conservation. Biological Conservation, 25: 335-352. Novillo, A., R. Ojeda. 2008. The exotice mammals of Argentina. Biological Invasions, 10: 1333-1344. Pontier, D., J. Gaillard, D. Allaine, J. Trouvillier, I. Gordon, P. Duncan. 1989. Postnatal-growth rate and adult body-weight in mammals: a new approach. Oecologia, 80(3): 390-394. Rau, J., J. Jiménez.

2002. Diet of Puma (Puma concolor, Carnivora: Felidae) in Coastal and Andean ranges of Souther Chile. Studies on Neotropical Fauna and Environment, 37(3): 201-205. Relva, M., M. Nuñez, D. Simberloff. 2010. Introduced deer reduce native plant cover and facilitate invasion of non-native tree species: evidence for invasional meltdown.. Biological Invasions, 12(2): 303-311. Reyes, E., R. Guzman, A. Angulo, I. Hermosilla, S. Conjeros. 1969. Ciclo de vida y madurez sexual de Pudu puda (Molina) (Mammalia, Cervidae). Boletin de la Sociedad de Biologia de Concepcion, 59: 143-150. Reyes, E., P. Munoz, S. Recabarren, P. Torres, G. Bubenink. 1993.

Seasonal variation of LH and testosterone in the smallest deer, the pudu (Pudu puda Molina) and its relationship to the antler cycle. Comparative Biochemistry and Phsyiology, 106A(4): 683-685. Silva-Rodríguez, E., O. Aleuy, M. Fuentes-Hurtado, J. Vianna, F. Vidal, J. Jiménez. 2011. Priorities for the conservation of the pudu Pudu puda in southern South America. Animal Production Science, 51(4): 375-377. Silva-Rodríguez, E., K. Sieving. 2012. Domestic dogs shape the landscape-scale distribution of a threatened forest ungulate. Biological Conservation, 150: 103-110. Twomey, D., J. Boon, G. Sayers, A. Schock. 2010. Arcanobacterium pyogenes septicimia in a souther pudu (Pudu puda) following uterine prolapse.

Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 41(1): 158-160. Vidal, F., J. Smith-Flueck, W. Flueck, L. Bartos. 2012. Variation in reproduction of a temperate deer, the southern pudu (Pudu puda). Animal Production Science, 52(8): 735-740. Weigl, R. 2005. Longevity of mammals in captivity; from the living collection of the world: a list of mammalian longevity in captivity.. Kleine Senkenberg-Reihe, 48: 1-214. Ziegler, A. 1971. A Theory of the Evolution of Therian Dental Formulas. A Quarterly Review of Biology, 46(3): 226-249. Tiny Pudu Fawn Born at Detroit Zoo Email Detroit Zoo Weighing in at just over 2 pounds, a female pudu was born in early September at the Detroit Zoo to parents T. Roy and Carol.

The threatened pudu, which is native to South America’s rainforests, is the smallest of all the deer species, reports Zooborns . This little girl will likely grow to be only about 26 pounds and 15 inches tall at the shoulder as an adult. Because they live in remote regions at elevations of more than 6,000 feet, little is known about this diminutive deer species. You can watch this cutie hop around her exhibit with Mom and Dad in the video below. Microlivestock - Little-Known Small Animals with a Promising Economic Future: Part V : Deer and Antelope: 29 South America's Microdeer Microlivestock - Little-Known Small Animals with a Promising Economic Future source ref: b17mie.htm Part V : Deer and Antelope 26 Mouse Deer 29 South America's Microdeer Pudu South America contains three types of tiny, indigenous deer. None are well known to science, yet they are of microlivestock size, and if given research attention at least two might respond to rearing in captivity.

PUDU The pudu (pronounced "poo-doo") is native to temperate forests of the Andean region. It is among the smallest of all true deer, adult males being merely the size of small terriers and the females being smaller still. It is very shy and retiring and is endangered. All things considered, this animal would appear to be an unlikely candidate for microlivestock. But wherever it is found, the pudu is mercilessly hunted, and captive rearing might be the only way to save its populations from extinction. Indeed, it is already being raised in experimental herds in Chile and Argentina. Pudus (also called the Andean dwarf deer) once ranged widely through the foothills, valleys, and lowlands of the Andes. They prefer the dark, dank underbrush of the cool rainforest, particularly thick bamboo stands. There are two species: Pudu pudu is distributed in parts of southern Bolivia and throughout much of southern Chile nearly to the Straits of Magellan. It is also found on islands off the Chilean coast. Pudu mephistophiles is distributed throughout the highlands of Ecuador, where it occurs only in cool areas at great height.

With their short legs, stocky bodies, and compact heads, pudus do not look much like deer - more like small antelopes with foxlike faces and spiky antlers. Full grown, they are only 40 cm tall and weigh less than 12 kg. They have thick fur ranging from reddish brown to pale gray. Because of the pudu's small size, shy and secretive nature, and forbidding habitat, few people have ever even seen one. Nonetheless, these animals tame easily and reportedly were once kept by South American Indians. Several generations were also once bred in a Paris apartment and were treated exactly like domestic dogs, which most people who saw them for the first time thought they were.' In recent years, habitat destruction has greatly reduced the range and numbers of these attractive and fascinating little creatures. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature already lists them as vulnerable to extinction. Pudu studies are highly recommended, and raising pudus promises to be an interesting and valuable activity that may one day lead to one of the most intriguing microlivestock of all.

BROCKET Brockets (Mazama spp.) are small deer that occupy the place in South America's environment that duikers occupy in Africa (see page 326). They typically reside in thick brush. They occur widely throughout South America and are found in every country except Chile and Uruguay. They also occur in Central America, the West Indies, and Mexico. There are four species: - Red brocket (Mazama americana), the most common and widespread, is found from Mexico to Argentina. It is also the largest species, with a mature weight of about 20 kg. - Gray (brown) brocket (Mazama gouazoubira) is also found throughout Latin America. It is slightly smaller, weighing about 17 kg. - Lesser brocket (Mazama rufina)2 resides in small and scattered locations in Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. It weighs 10-20 kg. - Dwarf brocket (Mazama chunyi) is found only in pockets of forest and brush on certain mountainsides in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru. The smallest brocket, it weighs only 8-12 kg.

Except for their size and color, all brockets look alike. The head, neck, and tail are short; the ears are wide. The lumbar region is higher than the shoulders, and this, together with an arched back, gives them a hunched appearance not unlike a duiker's. The antlers are simple spikes, never longer than a person's hand. The different species are similar in behavior, too.3 They generally wander around singly or in pairs. Although frequenting dense cover during the day, they emerge at night to feed in open areas. Little is known of their food preferences. But farmers know only too well how fond they are of melons, beans, peppers, and corn. Doubtless, wild forest fruits dominate their native diet. Although extensively hunted, brockets are so adept at dodging into dense brush that relatively few get caught. However, small size makes them vulnerable to many other predators: puma, jaguar, ocelot, and eagles and other large birds of prey. Near villages the domestic dog is probably their worst enemy.

(Infuriated vegetable growers commonly set their dogs on them.) Although at first sight these retiring, nervous, and agile creatures seem unlikely to be even potential microlivestock, young brockets are sometimes caught and raised by people. It is not uncommon to find them as pets on farms and in gardens. They seem to become very tame and might therefore make useful livestock at some future time. At least one species, the grey brocket, adjusts particularly well to life in and around human settlements. HUEMUL The third type of South American microdeer, the huemul,4 is a much less likely candidate. It is very rare, very shy, and has so far shown little likelihood of settling into captivity. However, huemul conservation is critical: without urgent attention, the animal will become extinct. Although totally protected by law, it is declining owing to poaching, farm dogs, habitat loss and diseases transmitted by cattle and other livestock. There are two species: - The Chilean huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus)5 occurs in high altitude forests, thickets, and grasslands in the Andes of southern Chile and Argentina. - The Peruvian huemul, or taruca (H.

antisepsis), occurs in parts of the Andes of southern Peru and Bolivia as well as of northern Chile and Argentina. Both species live in small herds above the tree line. They are very shy, and even though the Chilean national seal bears the depiction of a huemul, almost no Chilean (or anyone else, for that matter) has ever seen a live one. At less than 85 cm tall and probably weighing under 15 kg, huemuls are sized to be microlivestock. However, previous attempts at rearing them in Chile have met with little success. Nevertheless, huemuls have been kept in zoos in Germany, and such experiences - together with the increasing knowledge of how to raise red deer and other species - may eventually provide the keys to their continued existence. FIGURE 29 South America's Microdeer | Microlivestock: Little-Known Small Animals with a Promising Economic Future | The National Academies Press Cancel Below is the uncorrected machine-read text of this chapter, intended to provide our own search engines and external engines with highly rich, chapter-representative searchable text of each book.

Because it is UNCORRECTED material, please consider the following text as a useful but insufficient proxy for the authoritative book pages. 29 South America's Microdeer South America contains three types of tiny, indigenous deer. None are well known to science, yet they are of microlivestock size, and if given research attention at least two might respond to rearing in captivity. PUDU The pudu (pronounced "poo-doo") is native to temperate forests of the Andean region. It is among the smallest of all true deer, adult males being merely the size of small terriers and the females being smaller still. It is very shy and retiring and is endangered. All things considered, this animal would appear to be an unlikely candidate for microlivestock. But wherever it is found, the pudu is mercilessly hunted, and captive rearing might be the only way to save its populations from extinction. Indeed, it is already being raised in experimental herds in Chile and Argentina. Pudus (also called the Andean dwarf deer) once ranged widely through the foothills, valleys, and lowlands of the Andes.

They prefer the dark, dank underbrush of the cool rainforest, particularly thick bamboo stands. There are two species: Pudu pudu is distributed in parts of southern Bolivia and throughout much of southern Chile nearly to the Straits of Magellan. It is also found on islands off the Chilean coast. Pudu mephistophiles is distributed throughout the highlands of Ecuador, where it occurs only in cool areas at great height. With their short legs, stocky bodies, and compact heads, pudus do not look much like deer- more like small antelopes with foxlike faces and spiky antlers. Full grown, they are only 40 cm tall and weigh less 315 SOUTH AMERICA'S MICRODEER 317 than 12 kg. They have thick fur ranging from reddish brown to pale gray. Because of the pudu's small size, shy and secretive nature, and forbidding habitat, few people have ever even seen one. Nonetheless, these animals tame easily and reportedly were once kept by South American Indians. Several generations were also once bred in a Paris apartment and were treated exactly like domestic dogs, which most people who saw them for the first time thought they were.

In recent years, habitat destruction has greatly reduced the range and numbers of these attractive and fascinating little creatures. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature already lists them as vulnerable to extinction. Pudu studies are highly recommended, and raising pudus promises to be an interesting and valuable activity that may one day lead to one of the most intriguing microlivestock of all. BROCKET Brockets (Mazama spp.) are small deer that occupy the place in South America's environment that duikers occupy in Africa (see page 3261. They typically reside in thick brush. They occur widely throughout South America and are found in every country except Chile and Uruguay. They also occur in Central America, the West Indies, and Mexico. There are four species: · Red bracket (Mazama americana), the most common and wide- spread, is found from Mexico to Argentina. It is also the largest species, with a mature weight of about 20 kg. · Gray (brown) bracket (Mazama gouazoubira) is also found throughout Latin America. It is slightly smaller, weighing about 17 kg.

· Lesser bracket (Mazama rufinay2 resides in small and scattered locations in Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. It weighs 1~20 kg. · Dwarf bracket (Mazama chunyi) is found only in pockets of forest and brush on certain mountainsides in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru. The smallest bracket, it weighs only ~12 kg. ' I.I. Sanderson, Living Mammals of the World, Doubleday and Co., Inc., New York. ND. 2 This includes the formerly recognized species Mazama nana and Mazama bricenii. Opposite: Little is known about the shy, secretive pudu not even how many there are in the wild. However, a handful of researchers, including Mark McNamara (shown here) have started to study them. (New York Zoological Society Photo) 318 MICROLIVESTOCK Except for their size and color, all brackets look alike. The head, neck, and tail are short; the ears are wide.

The lumbar region is higher than the shoulders, and this, together with an arched back, gives them a hunched appearance not unlike a duiker's. The antlers are simple spikes, never longer than a person's hand. The different species are similar in behavior, took They generally wander around singly or in pairs. Although frequenting dense cover during the day, they emerge at night to feed in open areas. Little is known of their food preferences. But farmers know only too well how fond they are of melons, beans, peppers, and corn. Doubtless, wild forest fruits dominate their native diet. Although extensively hunted, brackets are so adept at dodging into dense brush that relatively few get caught. However, small size makes them vulnerable to many other predators: puma, jaguar, ocelot, and eagles and other large birds of prey. Near villages the domestic dog is probably their worst enemy. (Infuriated vegetable growers commonly set their dogs on them.) Although at first sight these retiring, nervous, and agile creatures seem unlikely to be even potential microlivestock, young brackets are sometimes caught and raised by people. It is not uncommon to find them as pets on farms and in gardens.

They seem to become very tame and might therefore make useful livestock at some future time. At least one species, the gray bracket, adjusts particularly well to life in and around human settlements. HUEMUL The third type of South American microdeer, the huemul,4 is a much less likely candidate. It is very rare, very shy, and has so far shown little likelihood of settling into captivity. However, huemul conserva- tion is critical: without urgent attention, the animal will become extinct. Although totally protected by law, it is declining owing to poaching, farm dogs, habitat loss and diseases transmitted by cattle and other livestock. There are two species: · The Chilean huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus)5 occurs in high 3 The dwarf bracket was first described in 1908. The habits of this species are virtually unknown. It is so like the pudu (see above) that it was formerly classified as Pudu mephistophiles. 4 Sometimes called "guemal." s Their strange generic name, [Iippocamelus, arose because initially these animals were not recognized as deer.

No one knew how to classify them, and they have been given more than 20 different names. At least one taxonomist considered them to be "horse- camels." SOUTH AMERICA'S MICRODEER 319 altitude forests, thickets, and grasslands in the Andes of southern Chile and Argentina. · The Peruvian huemul, or taruca (H. antisepsis), occurs in parts of the Andes of southern Peru and Bolivia as well as of northern Chile and Argentina. Both species live in small herds above the tree line. They are very shy, and even though the Chilean national seal bears the depiction of a huemul, almost no Chilean (or anyone else, for that matter) has ever seen a live one. At less than 85 cm tall and probably weighing under 15 kg, huemuls are sized to be microlivestock. However, previous attempts at rearing them in Chile have met with little success. Nevertheless, huemuls have been kept in zoos in Germany, and such experiences together with the increasing knowledge of how to raise red deer and other species may eventually provide the keys to their continued existence.

'3 - - it:= 1|1~ (,j,{/~n ~,,~,~1<j ~,1~.,/~t,1 , ~ a ~' ~ ilt X ~ i) <'I .'"~4, _~_ . ~ ,~, ,i,~ ,1~44~- ~_<r"~- `~470 ,, ~ World's Smallest Deer Born in Sweden - ZooBorns World's Smallest Deer Born in Sweden May 29, 2013 Photo credit: Tom Svensson / Nordens Ark On April 30th, Nordens Ark in Sweden welcomed a pint sized baby, a male Southern Pudu. It is the sixth fawn born at the zoo since it began housing and breeding the species eight years ago in an effort to help conserve this tiny South American deer species. The little boy has been spending his days in an enclosure with his parents for visitors to see. You can get a glimpse of the little guy in the video below! Pudu, native to South America, are known for being the smallest species of deer measuring under a foot and a half tall and around 25 pounds.

They are separated into two subspecies, the Northern Pudu and the Southern Pudu. The southern variety can be found on the slopes of the Southern Andes at elevations up to 6,600 feet. They live in temperate rain forests, using their small size to help them take cover in undergrowth to avoid predators. They live on a herbivorous diet that includes a wide range of different types of plant matter. Both subspecies of Pudu are classified as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to overhunting and habitat loss. Zoos around the world are helping to conserve this species through captive breeding programs and re-introduction efforts. What is a Pudu? What is a Pudu? Last Modified Date: 16 December 2016 Copyright Protected: Top 10 facts about the world Pudu are rare deer native to South America. They're considered to be threatened species, due to hunting and habitat depletion, and several zoological parks have made an effort to preserve the animals through breeding in captivity.

They're also the smallest known members of the deer family; the Northern pudu stands around 1 foot (32 centimeters) tall, and the Southern pudu is only slightly larger. Most pudu are found in Argentina and Chile. The Northern and the Southern types look largely the same, with glossy reddish brown coats which are spotted with white when they are very young. Like larger deer, pudu are very muscular, with bodies built for springing and jumping, upright convex ears, and stubby tails. Their glossy coats blend in well with their home environment. Despite their physical similarities, pudu differ from other deer in several ways. For one thing, they vocalize, emitting a sharp barking noise when they are alarmed to alert others in the group. They are also capable of climbing trees, both in search of food and to avoid predators. The animals have also been seen standing on their hind legs to feed, ensuring that they can reach otherwise inaccessible food. Ad The diet of these animals consists of grass, leaves, and fallen fruit. They often establish complex networks of runways and trails through the thick underbrush, allowing them to move unseen throughout their range.

In the wild, pudu live around eight to 10 years, breeding in the fall to produce litters of twins in the early spring. Pudu is the name of the genus of these animals, in addition to being used as a common name. Whatever one calls these creatures, they may be forced to rely on the efforts of conservationists to survive, thanks to widespread utilization of resources in South America. Logging and farming in their native range makes it difficult for them to survive, and because the animals are viewed as a source of meat as well, their populations are extremely unstable in some regions. People who are interested in seeing pudu can check with local zoological parks to see if they have any exhibits with them open to the public. It's often easier to see these animals at conservation parks focused on South American animals, although they can be found in general zoos as well on occasion. Ad

Question: A native of South America, the pudu is the smallest known species of which animal?
Answer: THE DEER