World's Smallest Deer Species Born at Queen's Zoo

The officials at the Wildlife Conservation Society's Queen Zoo welcome the arrival of the world's smallest deer species, Pudu.

Born on April 29 , visitors can have a look at the newly born southern pudu fawn that is currently kept on display at Queen's zoo. The female pudu fawn (Pudu pada) weighed just one pound at birth.

"The Queens Zoo breeds pudu as part of the Species Survival Program (SSP), a cooperative breeding program designed to enhance the genetic viability and demographic stability of animal populations in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums," according to the news release.

Pudus are the two subspecies of South American deer from the genus Pudu. They range in size from 32 -44 centimeters tall and nearly 85 centimeters long. They are classified as Endangered in the IUCN Red List. An adult pudu weights up to 20 pounds. They are known for their unique characteristics that include barking when they sense danger. They are also considered good jumpers and sprinters.

What this deer species lacks is size. These shy pudus lead a solitary life and hide in thick vegetation. On being chased, they rake a zig-zag pattern to flee predators that include owls, foxes, pumas and small cats.

A southern pudu is native to Chile and Argentina and feed on fresh leaves, grains, kale, carrots and hay. With the help of research and conservation practices, WCS is functioning in the pudu range countries to fight all challenges in order to curb habitat loss and other threats. Apart from this they are also known to be susceptible to diseases like bladder worms, lungworms, roundworms and heartworms.