THIS IS A PUDU THE SMALLEST DEER IN THE WORLD

The southern pudú is a species of South American deer native to the Andes of Chile and Argentina. The term “pudú” comes from the Mapuche language Mapudungun püdu or püdü.

It is characterized by being the second smallest deer in the world. It is about 35 to 45 cm tall and weighs 6 to 13 kg. It is slightly larger than its sister species, the northern pudu, which lives at higher altitudes and is endemic to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

It has a thick, dense, dark reddish-brown coat. It is generally a shy animal, which hides among vegetation, and lives solitary or in groups of no more than three individuals.

According to the IUCN Red List, the total Southern pudu population size is less than 10,000 animals. This species’ numbers are decreasing today and it is classified as vulnerable.

The southern pudú is found in dense forest, swamps with tall grass and savannahs from sea level up to 2,000 metres. In Chile, they live between the Maule River in the north and Chiloé in the south.