Chilean Pudu: here’s the scoop
threats
Their numbers are decreasing due to habitat loss, residential and commercial development, livestock farming and ranching, road development, attacks by domestic dogs and non-native diseases.
Committed to Conservation
The Buttonwood Park Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Southern Pudu. The goal of the SSP is to cooperatively manage animal populations within AZA accredited zoos to ensure the sustainability of a healthy and genetically diverse population while enhancing the conservation of this species in the wild.
Species
Chilean Pudu (also called Southern Pudu)
Scientific name
Pudu puda
Habitat
Temperate forest and shrubland. They use both mature and disturbed forests, with close association to dense understory.
Diet
Herbivorous. Feeding on leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, bark, fruits and vegetables
Life Expectancy
12-17 years
Did you know?
Pudu are the world’s smallest deer, growing to only 12 to 14 inches tall at adulthood.
Range
Argentina and Chile
Conservation status
Near Threatened
May be considered threatened with extinction in the near future
