Abstract

The southern pudu (Pudu puda) is one of the smallest living deer of the world. It inhabits the temperate rainforest of Chile and Argentina, where it is considered vulnerable due to decreasing populations. To improve the existing information concerning its feeding ecology, we performed morphometric measurements on skulls and jaws (n = 22), and observed feeding behavior on individual deer (n = 14). The pudu presented an oral morphology adapted to select specific parts of plants, and a brachyodont molar type, which is consistent with the selective browsing style and consumption of primarily dicotyledonous plants. This information can be used to infer habitat relationships and needs of the pudu during the growth season.

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