Pudu

The Pudu is a small deer that is incredible, so let's dive in. As mentioned, the Pudu is a small deer and is actually the smallest deer in the world. It stands between 13 to 17 inches at the shoulder. The Pudu weighs 26 to 30 pounds. It is 33 inches long which is just shorter than three feet. The Pudu has short antlers that are 2.6 to 3.0 inches long they. These antlers are shed annually. The Pudu is a solitary animal. Along with being solitary the Pudu is also crepuscular which means it's more active during dawn and dusk. Predators of this small ungulate includes the horned owl, Andean fox, Magellan fox, Pumas, and other small cats. The Pudu is an efficient climber, jumper, and sprinter. Pudu lifespans are between 8 to 10 years in the wild. Pudus are herbivores and eat vines, leaves from short trees, shrubs, succulent sprouts, herbs, ferns, blossoms, buds, tree bark, and fallen fruit. The Pudu rarely drinks or needs water due to the high amount of water in the succulent part of there diet. Mating season is between April and may. Pudus only come together since they are solitary they only come together for the rut. The Pudu female gives birth to either one calf or twins. Pudus live in the forests of South America. I hope you enjoyed learning about this small incredible animal.