chilean huemul

The Patagonian Huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus), also known as the South Andean Deer, is a medium-sized deer species endemic to the southern Andes of Chile and Argentina. Characterized by a robust body, short legs, and a thick, dark brown coat that becomes grayer in winter, the huemul is well-adapted to cold, mountainous environments. Males possess simple antlers, while both sexes have a distinctive white patch on the throat. Once widespread across Patagonia, the species has suffered drastic declines due to habitat loss, poaching, and competition with livestock. Now classified as Endangered, with fewer than 1,500 individuals remaining, conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, population monitoring, and mitigating human-induced threats to ensure the survival of this iconic species.