Key deer  (Odocoileus virginianus clavium)

Range

It is thought that Key deer were isolated from the mainland between 6 to 12 thousand years ago when the glaciers retreated (3). They are endemic to the Florida Keys of Monroe County, Florida, in the United States (4). The current range of the deer includes around 26 islands from Big Pine Key to Sugarloaf Key, with Big Pine Key forming the stronghold, supporting around two-thirds of the population (2).

Habitat

Although they are able to tolerate some levels of salt in their drinking water, Key deer require a permanent source of freshwater in the habitats in which they live, in order to survive (4) (2). They use all types of habitat within the range, including pine woodlands, pine rocklands, and various types of wetland (2). Pine rocklands are especially important as they contain sources of freshwater (2). The deer also make use of residential areas, where they take refuge from biting insects and feed on ornamental plants (2).

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