Survival of the Nearly Extinct Huemul Deer

Huemul Deer (since 1929) national symbol of Chile, now nearly extinct. 8 Since 1976, one of the most endangered species genus of Cervidae deer family and, native to the mountains of Chile and Argentina, the Huemul deer (The South Andean Deer or Hippocamelus bisulcus). Hundred years ago, the Huemul deer roamed the country side of Chile abundantly. Then human migration, roads, deforestation, poaching, forest fires (4), and introduction of dangerous non-native mammals steadily decreased the Huemul deer population. 1 Also, diseases from domesticated dogs and livestock further killed-off more of the Huemul deer inhabitants (Less than 2,000 of the species alive today). Conservationists are helping to reestablish the Huemul deer survival rate. 2

The Huemul deer live in the mountain regions of the Southern Andes (South America) 2,500 to 5,200 meters above sea level. 1 The Hippocamelus bisulcus have a thick layer of rusty brown or coffee colored hair 5-7 centimeters in the winter and 3 - 4 centimeters in the summer. "Huemuls have relatively short legs which accentuate the hunched back. Male huemul have a dark stripe on the bridge of their nose, which forks in between the eyes and forms a pair of dark eyebrows (females may have this blaze, too)". Males are distinguishable, usually a single branch antler's (30 - 35 centimeters). The temperament of the species various, tolerable of people or grunts and snorts, alarmed or during breeding season ("The breeding is between February and May, with most babies being born in November / December".). Baby Huemul Deers are born in isolated areas, where mothers forage food in safe locations, and away from predators. The species diet includes Shrubs, leaves, and very rarely grass. Average life-span of a Huemul deer is fourteen years. 3

Huemul Deers congregate in the wild as a society, groups over 100 or fewer then two to three Deers. Groups of Hippocamelus bisulcus include females and babies. Some groups include only males. 5

Environmental, human population and diseases have reduced the number of Huemul Deer population in the wild. Increasing the dwindling population of Huemul Deers, in Chile transporting the wild deer by helicopter to safe private center, and zoos raise in captivity the deer breed (successfully up to 10 years). However, no guarantee the survival of the Huemul Deers in the future. 6 National Chile Parks such as in Nevados de Chillan de Laja in southeastern region from the eighth through the twelve regions and in southwestern Argentina provide a refuge for the Huemul deers. 7 Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race Director Stjepan Pavicic said: "It is crucial to know the remaining huemul population in other regions of southern Chile so that we can understand their present distribution on strong scientific date. Only by doing that can we help save them." 8

References:

1.) Hippocamelus - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocamelus

2.) Recovering Threatened Species / Huemul Deer Recovery - http://www.conservacionpatagonica.org/buildingthepark_wr_huemul.htm

3.) Hippocamelus bisulcus - http://www.ultimateungulate.com/Artiodactyla/Hippocamelus_bisulcus.html

4.) The Huemul: Deer of the Andes - http://www.patagonianexpeditionrace.com/en/about_the_huemul.php

5.) Huemul (zoology) - http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Huemul_%28zoology%29

6.) Predicaments of endangered huemul deer, Hippocamelus bisulcus, in Argentina: a review - http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/klu/10344/2006/00000052/00000002/00000020?crawler=true

7.) Huemul - http://cachandochile.wordpress.com/2009/05/21/huemul/

8.) What is huemul - and why protect it? - http://www.patagonianexpeditionrace.com/en/news_detail.php?news=104