It is a small to medium-sized deer, with a slender body and relatively long legs adapted for agile movement in dense vegetation. The coat is short and uniform, ranging from grayish-brown to light brown, sometimes showing more reddish tones depending on region and season. The head is narrow, with a fine muzzle and large, mobile ears; males bear simple, straight antlers, usually short and unbranched, which are shed annually.
Geographic distribution: It is widely distributed across South America, from central and eastern Brazil through Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northeastern to central-northern Argentina. Its range is mainly associated with tropical and subtropical regions, but it also inhabits temperate areas where adequate vegetation cover persists.
Habitat: It occupies a broad range of forested and semi-natural environments, including rainforests, dry forests, woodland savannas, riparian corridors, and forest–grassland mosaics. It prefers areas with dense vegetation for shelter, while often venturing into more open spaces to forage, especially at dawn and dusk.
Diet: It is a selective herbivore, feeding on tender leaves, shoots, fruits, flowers, and occasionally seeds. It takes advantage of seasonal plant availability, showing considerable dietary flexibility that allows it to persist in moderately altered landscapes, provided some natural cover remains.
Behavior: This species is solitary and elusive, with peak activity during crepuscular and nocturnal hours. It uses loosely defined home ranges, regularly traveling along established paths and resting in concealed sites. When threatened, it may freeze relying on camouflage or flee rapidly with short, silent bounds.
Reproduction: Breeding may occur year-round, often peaking in periods of greater food availability. After a gestation period of about seven months, the female typically gives birth to a single fawn, which remains hidden in dense vegetation during its first weeks of life, receiving discreet maternal care.
Conservation status: It is currently classified as Least Concern, due to its wide distribution and relative tolerance to certain habitat disturbances. Nonetheless, local populations may be affected by habitat loss, illegal hunting, and road mortality.
Author of this compilation: EcoRegistros – 12/12/2025