Information AboutHuemul (zoology) |
The Huemul is an Endangered Mammal of the Cervidae family. The Huemul has a stocky, thick, and short-legged body. This mammal lives at higher Altitudes in the Summer , then moves down the mountains in the fall and spends the winter in more sheltered forested Valleys . Areas with fresh water are preferred. The Huemul is a Herbivore which feeds primarily on Herbaceous plants and shrubs as well as Sedges , lichens, and Grasses found between the rocks on high peaks. ''Hippocamelus bisulcus'', also known as the South Andean deer, is found in Chile and Argentina . Huemules live in small groups of two to three animals; these groups are made up of a female and her young. Many animals live solitary lives. ''Hippocamelus antisensis'', the Peruvian Guemal (known locally as ''Taruca''), is found in the highland cloud forests of Peru , as well as parts of Bolivia . They live in high altitudes, from 2,500 to 5,200 meters above sea level. Social habits include grazing in flexible groups of about 8 animals led by a female. The Guemal is active during daytime and has a lifespan of about 10 years. The conservation status of the Peruvian guemal is not known as of 1996. These deer are now protected in thirteen Chilean National Park s and neighbouring parts of Argentina and Peru, particularly Nahuel Huapí National Park and Rio Abiseo National Park , and have been on the Endangered list since 1976 . They are endangered primarily due to human impacts such as deforestation, habitat fragmentation by roads, introduction of non-native mammals such as farm animals, and poaching. They are in a classic "extinction spiral" marked by increasingly small, isolated populations and are now considered critically endangered. The huemul is the national animal of Chile. EXTERNAL LINKS
|