pudú

The pudú is a genus of South American deer. There are two extant species: the southern pudú and the northern pudú. Both are small, stocky deer with short legs and relatively long necks. They are the smallest deer species in the world.

The southern pudú, Pudu puda, is found in the temperate rainforests of southern Chile and Argentina. It is a solitary and secretive animal, primarily active at dawn and dusk. Its diet consists of leaves, twigs, fruits, and grasses. The southern pudú has reddish-brown fur and a short, bushy tail.

The northern pudú, Pudu mephistophiles, inhabits the Andes Mountains of Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. It is slightly smaller than the southern pudú and has darker fur. Like its southern counterpart, it is a solitary herbivore.

Pudús are important in their ecosystems as herbivores, influencing plant growth and providing a food source for predators. Both species face threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting. Conservation efforts are in place to protect their populations and habitats.