The pudu comes in two varieties, both of which are found in South America.
These small deer are about the size of a domestic dog and are the smallest deer species in the world.
Pudu comes in two varieties, both native to South America.
Argentina and Chile are home to southern pudu, while Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia are home to northern pudu.
They are only 12 to 16 inches tall.
Pudu, like most other herbivores, feed on leaves, grass, seeds, and fallen fruits.
They can either stand up on their hind legs to reach foliage or, unlike their larger deer counterparts, can even climb trees if necessary.
Pudus are cautious animals and are often at risk to any predators. When pursued, they zigzag, making them harder for larger predators to catch.
They are also great for climbing and jumping when needed.
These solitary animals can be found in the dense forests of South America, where they develop a complex system of tracks to help them navigate the forest floor.
Pudu are only seen together during mating, often in the fall, and will give birth to one or both cubs in the spring.
Like their larger deer counterparts, male pudu are distinguished by their antlers.
Their life expectancy is typically 8 to 10 years, although this is threatened by many external factors such as habitat loss, disease, and parasites from domestic dogs.
