The Southern Pudu (Pudu puda) is a species of even-toed ungulate in the Cervidae family. This deer is found in the Southern Andes of Chile and Argentina. It lives on high mountainsides, up to 2,000 metres (1.24 miles), but can also be found at much lower altitudes, and can be found along the coast. Rather than living in open habitats, it prefers woodlands and forest that offer it a good degree of cover from predators. It will however, venture out into more open habitats to feed.
[edit] Appearance
Small, stocky and quiet, it has a small rounded body, delicate legs, the antlers are short simple spikes 7-10 cm long and are shed annually in July/August and begin to regrow immediately. The Southern Pudu's coat varies from reddish to dark brown in colour and is lighter at the sides and lower legs. Thick and dense, it offers good protection from the harsh habitat in which it lives. The ears are small and rounded, and the tail is short.
The fawns are spotted with white spots, probably for camouflage
[edit] Measurements
Head & Body Length - up to 90 cm (35.4 in.)
Shoulder Height - up to 35 cm (13.8 in.)
Weight - 9 to 15 kilograms (19.8 to 33 lbs.)
This is the second smallest species of deer. The world's smallest species of deer is the Northern Pudu
[edit] Conservation Status
The Southern Pudu is now classified as a vulnerable species. Its numbers have declined due to its primary temperate rainforest habitat being destroyed and cleared for cattle ranching and other human developments.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
