pudu

The pudú is a small deer native to southern and central South America, comprising two living species: the southern pudú (Pudu puda) and the northern pudú (Pudu mephiticus). They are among the smallest deer in the world, with adults standing about 25–30 cm tall at the shoulder and weighing roughly 6–12 kg. They have dense, reddish-brown fur that may appear grayish in winter, a short tail, and short antlers in males that are shed annually.

Distribution and habitat: The southern pudú mainly inhabits temperate forests in southern Chile and Argentina, while the northern pudú is found in the Andean foothills and surrounding forests in parts of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and adjacent areas. Pudús prefer dense undergrowth and brush, where they can hide from predators and forage for food.

Behavior and ecology: Pudús are shy, mostly solitary or encountered in pairs. They are crepuscular or nocturnal and move cautiously through thick vegetation. Their diet consists of leaves, shoots, ferns, grasses, and fruits. They maintain small home ranges and rely on keen senses of hearing and smell for detection of danger. Reproduction results in a single offspring after a gestation of about five months; young are usually released into the world during seasons that favor survival.

Conservation: Both species face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, predation by introduced mammals, and human encroachment. They are protected in many reserves and national parks, and several conservation programs aim to monitor populations and protect suitable habitat. Their secretive nature and low population densities make monitoring challenging, contributing to ongoing conservation concerns.