A marsh deer, a protected species in Argentina, was rescued on the banks of the Paraná River in the Escobar district after being found injured near the pier.
The operation was carried out by agents from the Municipality’s Prevention department, who notified the Municipal Zoonosis Hospital “Dr. Ricardo Augusto Godnic” to assist the animal.
The veterinary staff confirmed that it was a male deer with a fracture in one of its legs, specifically in the tibia.
Faced with this situation, they needed to quickly find a solution and contacted the Temaikén Foundation, which sent specialists and activated the protocol to assess the health condition, administer the corresponding sedation, and proceed with the transfer to the recovery center.
According to the municipality, the deer is recovering favorably and will be reintroduced into its habitat once the treatment is completed.
The Municipality once again reminded that wild fauna should not be considered as pets and extracting them from their natural environment is prohibited by law.
How to proceed if we find a wild animal
It is of utmost importance to notify the authorities so they can take action, making reports to the Zoonosis Department at phone number 348 426-2809 or through the Eyes and Ears on Alert system.
About the marsh deer
The marsh deer, a critically endangered species, has been declared a natural monument of the province of Buenos Aires for its protection (Provincial Law 12209).
In South America, it is found in central, western, and southern Brazil; southeastern Peru; eastern Bolivia and Paraguay. In Uruguay, it is already considered extinct.
In Argentina, it can currently be found in the Buenos Aires Delta area (Zárate-Campana-Delta in Formation), as well as in the provinces of Entre Ríos and Corrientes.
It is the largest deer in South America and one of the largest terrestrial mammals in the province of Buenos Aires. Adults can weigh around 150 kilograms, reach up to 2 meters in length from head to tail, and have a height of up to 1.30 meters at the withers. They have reddish-brown fur and black legs, with males developing large antlers.
Generally solitary, the marsh deer can be seen in small groups. They move easily through marshes, swamps, and forests, and are excellent swimmers. Throughout the day, they remain hidden in “beds” or “lairs” among the grass, although in areas with low hunting pressure, they can also be seen during daylight hours. Herbivorous, they feed on aquatic grasses or browse. The jaguar and puma are some of their natural predators. The gestation period for females is about nine months, and they have one offspring per birth.
The destruction of the marsh deer’s habitat and hunting are the main threats facing their populations. In Argentina, they are restricted to locations in the provinces of Formosa, Chaco, Corrientes, Entre Ríos, Buenos Aires, and possibly Santa Fe, with populations in the Esteros del Iberá (Corrientes) and the Delta del Paraná (Buenos Aires and Entre Ríos) being the most important in the country.
Internationally, the marsh deer is considered a vulnerable species, as it is at a national level, although for some populations, the category of endangered species has been proposed. In 1998, the Province of Buenos Aires declared it a Natural Monument by Law No. 12209.
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