Southern pudu  (Pudu puda)

Southern pudu are solitary animals and only come together during the breeding season, or ‘rut' (8), in April and May (austral autumn) (4). Females typically bare one fawn each year, from November to January (austral spring), after a gestation period of approximately seven months (7) (8). Young are weaned at two months, fully sized at three, and sexually mature at six months for females, eight to twelve for males (6). Offspring may remain with their mother for eight to twelve months before becoming independent (8).

This deer is active both day and night, but mostly during the late afternoon, evening and morning, when it forages for leaves, twigs, bark, buds, fruit and seeds. Due to their small size, individuals often have to stand upright on their hind legs or jump onto fallen tree trunks in order to reach higher vegetation (6). This species navigates through the dense vegetation via a network of well-trodden trails, pathways and small tunnels, which lead to feeding and resting areas within their 16 to 26 hectare home range (4) (7). Dung piles are often formed next to these trails, usually near resting places (6).