Description

The Pudu is the smallest deer worldwide, ranging from 60 to 90 cm long and 30 to 40 cm high, and weighing about 9 kg. At national level, the Southern Pudu has been classified as a vulnerable species, with the objective of preserving and conserving it.

This species lives in isolated areas between VII and XII regions of Chile, and can be found especially in native forests between sea level and 1,800 meters above. Its diet includes herbs, leaves and a great variety of plants.

From reddish to dark brown in color, the males display small horns which get covered with skin when they griow up. They live in small groups, and some of them on their own. The males are monogamous and always stay close to the female. They usually have only one breed, which display white spots at birth –and look like the deer Bambi.

The most common predators of the Pudu are the cougar and man, the latter being responsible for the decrease in the Pudu population –at a level close to extinction- by transmitting diseases and parasites to it.