World's Smallest Deer Species 'Pudu Puda' born at Queens Zoo

The Queens Zoo, April 29, witnessed the arrival of a southern pudu fawn, a member of world's smallest deer species "Pudu puda".

The female fawn weighed one pound at birth, the Wildlife Conservation Society's Queens Zoo announced Friday. Average age of the Pudus in captivity is 12.5 years and officials estimate that the female fawn at the zoo will weigh 20 pounds as an adult.

Pudu puda are tiny, reaching a length of just 23 to 32 inches. These solitary creatures live in the temperate forests of Argentina and Chile. They are shy and bark when they sense danger and start running in a zig zag manner to outrun predators. These puny little deers are considered good jumpers and sprinters.

Pudus are expert navigators and use a complex trail of markings. Each Pudu's territory ranges from 40-60 acres.

"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,"  WCS said in a news release.

International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources classifies Pudu as endangered animals. Habitat loss, introduction of European animals in the region and presence of dogs have led to a decrease in Pudu numbers.

Chile has been able to prevent the species from going extinct by preserving habitat. According to IUCN, fewer than 10,000 of these deer live in the wild.

WCS said that it is using research and conservation practices in Pudu's range countries to help save the animals from extinction.

Last year, Queens Zoo had announced the arrival of another Pudu Puda fawn.