Being about the size of a domestic dog, these magical creatures are the smallest spices of deer in the entire world.
There are only 2 species of Pudu known, and both species can be found in South America.
Native to Argentina and Chile are the southern Pudu, and the northern Pudu can be found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.
Being only 12-16 inches tall, like most other grazing animals, these cute critters are vegetarians. They live on a diet of fallen fruit, leaves, seeds and grass.
There are two ways that these animals reach foliage. They either stand on their hind legs, or at times, unlike their deer cousins, when needed, they even climb trees.
Naturally being cautious animals, Pudus are most often on red alert for predators. However, if they’re found and get chased, they make it harder for larger predators to catch them by running in a zigzag pattern.
Also, when needed, they are great at jumping and climbing.
Found in the dense forests of South America, these solitary animals have developed a complex system of paths with help then in navigating the forest’s undergrowth.
These cute creatures are only seen together often in fall when mating, and they give birth to one or two fawns in spring.
Similar to deer, male pudus can be identified by their antlers.
Although their lifespan is usually between 8-10 years, this has been put to risk due many external factors from diseases and parasites which are contracted from domestic dogs, to loss of habitat.
