Overview
Considerably smaller than the red brocket (M. americana), with relatively shorter legs, larger preorbital glands, and a more reddish color.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Cervidae
- Genus
- Mazama
Habitat
Found in the lowland Atlantic rain forest of south America. Always near water. Distribution- southeastern Paraguay, northern Misiones province in Argentina, and adjacent parts of southern Brazil.
Diet
Diet includes fruit, leaves and fungi.
Behavior
Usually solitary, or a female with her young, the sexes coming together only briefly to mate. A single fawn, occasionally twins, is born after 225 days, gestation and remains with the mother through the first year. Females can breed at about one year. Reported by different authorities as being diurnal, nocturnal or crepuscular. Relatively sedentary, with a small home range. Seldom seen and little known because of its extreme shyness and wariness. Often remains motionless when danger is sensed. Lacks endurance compared to other deer, and can be run down and killed by an ordinary dog. Excellent swimmer, easily crossing large rivers.
Hunting
The Mapola (Flamboyan) and Zapote trees drop their fruit in late February and March, and brocket deer love this fruit. April is dry and good for hunting, but it is very hot. During the dry season, water holes are popular areas to set up and wait for animals.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN, although it should be noted that populations seem to consistently decline where they overlap with humans.