Pudu

Pudú is the name of 2 species of South American deer, also known as World’s smallest deer. The two species are Northern Pudu and Southern Pudu, which refer to their abundant presence in northern and Southern parts of South American continent respectively. Both species are classified as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List.

Their elusive nature and dense habitat makes wild Pudú populations difficult to estimate. According to the International Species Information System, there are currently more than 130 living in captivity, including this mother and fawn. Pudú live in temperate forests but the loss of this habitat is considered to be a key factor in their decline by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which lists the animals as Vulnerable. As human settlements draw closer to the forest, conservationists are concerned that the deer face mounting pressures, mainly from the pets such as Dogs which kill Pudú and also affect their use of space.