South Andean Deer
Hippocamelus bisulcus
Conservation Status
EndangeredMammalia · Artiodactyla · Cervidae
About
The south Andean deer, also known as the southern guemal, south Andean huemul, southern huemul, or Chilean huemul or güemul, is an endangered species of deer native to the mountains of Argentina and Chile. Along with the northern guemal or taruca, it is one of the two mid-sized deer in the Hippocamelus genus and ranges across the high mountainsides and cold valleys of the Andes. The distribution and habitat, behaviour, and diet of the deer have all been the subject of study. The viability of the small remaining population is an outstanding concern to researchers.
Fun Fact
South Andean deer are Chile's national animal and one of the rarest deer in the world, surviving in tiny fragmented populations in the southern Andes where they shelter in dense native beech forests.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Andean forests and alpine scrublands
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
10-14 years
Threats
- Small Population Size
- Habitat Fragmentation
- Genetic Bottleneck
- Wildfire