 The huemul deer is listed by The World Conservation Union (IUCN) as Critically Endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, dog attacks, diseases, and competition from livestock. All these factors have resulted in rapid decline of the population’s numbers.
Due to this species' status in the wild, Denver Zoo helps fund this important conservation project. This project takes place in Chile, in a region known as Patagonia. Researchers ear-tag newborn huemul to estimate young survival, mortality causes, and juvenile recruitment.
Adult deer are chemically immobilized and then ear-tagged and radio-collared to determine survival, mortality causes, ranging behavior, habitat use and population size. Group size, composition, and variation are also observed. Tissue and hair samples are obtained from each captured deer to study genetic variability and population pedigree. All the animals in the population are monitored weekly and behavioral observations are made. Data is also collected to determine population size, ranging behavior, habitat use, mating systems, and social organization.
The goals of this research include collecting data about the population to support conservation strategies, establishing a long-term monitoring plan for the species, as well as working with local people in the area to educate them about the importance of conserving this species.
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