The Pudú (Pudu mephistophiles) is the smallest deer in the world, with the northern Pudú being marginally smaller than the southern Pudú. It has four slender, short legs with a sturdy body. Pudús have eyes that are small and black, with black necks, and 3 inch (8 cm) rounded long ears.
Males do grow antlers, but they are only several inches long because of their small body size. The cautious movements of Pudú keep the species hidden to prevent raising the chance of being detected by predators. Pudús generally only go out into open plains for food then rush back into the forest.
Pudú have standing shoulder heights between 1’2”-1’3” (35-38 cm), head-to-body lengths in the range of 2’7”-2’9” (80-85 cm), and overall weights of 20-33 lb (9-15 kg). The lifespan of a wild Pudú is roughly 8-10 years.
The Pudú (Pudu mephistophiles) is the smallest deer in the world, with the northern Pudú being marginally smaller than the southern Pudú. It has four slender, short legs with a sturdy body. Pudús have eyes that are small and black, with black necks, and 3 inch (8 cm) rounded long ears.
Males do grow antlers, but they are only several inches long because of their small body size. The cautious movements of Pudú keep the species hidden to prevent raising the chance of being detected by predators. Pudús generally only go out into open plains for food then rush back into the forest.
Pudú have standing shoulder heights between 1’2”-1’3” (35-38 cm), head-to-body lengths in the range of 2’7”-2’9” (80-85 cm), and overall weights of 20-33 lb (9-15 kg). The lifespan of a wild Pudú is roughly 8-10 years.
