GENERAL INFORMATION OF THE SPECIE
The Huemul or Southern Andean Deer is a flagship specie of the mountainous and forested habitats, principally in the southern Patagonian region. It is listed by the IUCN as critically endangered and it has declined to under 1000 animals.
The South Andean deer weighs 45 - 65 kg. It lives at higher altitudes in the summer, moves down the mountains in the fall, and spends the winter in forested valleys. Areas with fresh water are preferred. The South Andean deer feeds primarily on herbaceous plants and shrubs.
Overhunting for food has been a major cause of the South Andean deer's decline. Habitat loss from fire and erosion, competition with domestic animals and introduced red deer, disease transmitted from livestock, persecution for its perceived competition with livestock and killing by domestic dogs are other important factors.
There are different reasons to protect the Huemul deer. For example: a large proportion of the protected areas are barren and not suitable huemul habitat; the Huemul needs to make use of ground outside protected areas for seasonal or permanent dispersal; grazing is not normally well controlled and it is impractical to effectively fence all protected areas; and introduced species such as red deer are expanding in range and may become a significant competitor for huemul.
Nowadays, the Huemul is protected in Argentina by different protected areas (such as Nahuel Huapi, Los Alerces, Lago Puelo, Perito Moreno and Los Glaciares National Parks). And in 1996 the huemul was declared Natural Monument by the Law Nº 24.702.
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