Huemul  (Hippocamelus bisulcus)

Groups of huemul used to number up to ten individuals, but it is now rare to see more than five together (2). Huemul inhabit large home ranges up to several hundred hectares and in some areas huemul move to lower altitudes in winter, probably to avoid exposure and deep snow (6). During the mating season, males will mate with any receptive female, checking her urine for pheromones that indicate her readiness. Males approach females, courting them with display postures and then dip their lower lip in their urine, tilting their head back to ‘taste' the pheromones on the Jacobson's organ in the mouth. Females give birth to a single fawn after a 200 to 220 day gestation period and the fawn is then hidden from predators and group members for up to month until it has gained strength. Weaning takes place at around five months old (2).

The huemul has a four-chambered stomach and feeds on many different plant species (2). It is usually a silent species but will occasionally snort, grunt and whine (2) (3).