North Andean Huemul
Hippocamelus antisensis
Conservation Status
VulnerableMammalia · Artiodactyla · Cervidae
About
The taruca, also known as the taruka, Peruvian guemal, north Andean deer, north Andean huemul, northern huemul or northern guemal, is a mid sized deer species that inhabits the high regions of the Andes mountains in South America. The common name taruca means "deer" in both the Quechua and Aymara languages. The taruca is closely related to the southern guemal, the only other member of the Hippocamelus genus.
Fun Fact
Peru holds the largest population of tarucas in South America.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found only in the Andes mountains, from central Peru, through Bolivia and extreme north-eastern Chile, and into northern Argentina.
Diet
Feeds mainly on the local bushes, shrubs, and herbs for much of the year, but supplements this diet with grasses during the rainy season.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Degradation
- Overexploitation
- Invasive Species
- Climate Change