Pudú

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The pud? (Pudu spp.), considered to be the world's smallest deer, is a native of South America. There are two species of pud?: the Northern Pud? (P. mephistophiles), which stands about 18 inches (46 cm) at the shoulder; and the Southern Pud? (P. puda), which averages between 14 to 16 inches (36 to 41 cm). Both species are endangered.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The pud? has several interesting characteristics that distinguish it from other deer. It is able to climb trees, and often climbs bamboo stalks to escape predators and eat the leaves. When threatened, it barks in alarm. It is an endangered species.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

South America: South America is a part of the American continent traversed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. South America is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean....