Background - March 10, 2006
Shy deer of the temperate forest of South America.
The Huemul deer lives in forest areas in the Chilean Andes and
parts of Argentina that can reach up to 5000 meters in
altitude.
Its shoulders can reach up to 80 centimeters (2,5 feet) high
and, as with all deer species except reindeer, only the males have
antlers.
Due to habitat destruction and over-hunting by humans this deer
is close to extinction. Its worldwide population has been reduced
to only a few thousand.
The Huemul deer also shares its diminishing forest with
indigenous people and other species such as the Darwin frog, Pudú
deer, Chilote fox and the the Chilean pine. The forest also
contains many plants which are not found anywhere else in the
world.
Indigenous people who live in these forests and have long
depended on the natural wealth of the forest for their physical,
cultural and spiritual way of life.
The ancient forests and their famous animals inhabitants need
your help.
Click here to take action today to help save the homes of these magnificent animals!