Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Cervidae
- Genus
- Odocoileus
- Species
- Odocoileus virginianus
Habitat
Key deer primarily inhabit the pine rockland forests, mangrove swamps, and freshwater wetlands of the Florida Keys. They prefer low-lying areas with dense vegetation for cover and are adapted to coastal environments with brackish water. This subspecies is endemic to the lower Florida Keys, rarely venturing far from these islands.
Diet
Key deer feed mainly on a variety of plants including grasses, leaves, fruits, and aquatic vegetation. They are browsers and grazers, often foraging in the early morning and late afternoon to avoid the heat. Their feeding behavior includes selecting nutrient-rich plants, which helps them thrive in the nutrient-poor soils of their habitat.
Behavior
Key deer are typically solitary or live in small family groups, with males becoming more territorial during the breeding season. They are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk, and use well-worn trails for movement while being cautious of human activity. These deer are strong swimmers, often crossing water between keys, and they communicate through vocalizations and scent marking.
Conservation Status
The Key deer is classified as Endangered by the IUCN due to habitat loss from development and sea-level rise. Major threats include vehicle collisions and poaching, with population trends showing slight stabilization through conservation efforts.