The huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) is a species of deer endemic to the Patagonian Andean region. It only inhabits the south of Argentina and Chile.
This animal, a national symbol of the neighboring country, even featured on its coat of arms, faces a serious threat of extinction due to various factors. How the species lives and what are the main dangers.
What the huemul is like
The huemul is a medium-sized deer, with a dense and brown fur that protects it from the low temperatures of its natural environment. It is herbivorous, feeding mainly on grasses, leaves, and shrub shoots.
The huemul, an endemic species in danger of extinction.
Its behavior is elusive and calm, living in small groups or solitarily. Males have antlers that renew annually and are used in battles during the mating season.
In Argentina, the huemul lives in the provinces of Chubut, Río Negro, and Santa Cruz, while in Chile it inhabits the regions of Los Lagos, Aysén, and Magallanes.
Its presence is limited to mountainous and wooded areas that are difficult to access, which hinders its study and conservation.
The main threat to the huemul is the loss and fragmentation of its habitat due to the expansion of human activity. Especially cattle farming and logging.
Furthermore, poaching and the presence of introduced species, such as dogs and pumas, have contributed to the decline of their populations. It is estimated that there are currently between 1500 and 2500 individuals in the wild.
A species in danger of extinction
The huemul is classified as “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and has various laws and protection programs in both countries.
In Argentina, it has been declared a Natural Monument by National Law, and in Chile, management and conservation plans have been implemented in the areas where it lives.
What the huemul is like and where it lives.
However, the effectiveness of these actions depends on collaboration between governments, local communities, and non-governmental organizations.
A recent birth fuels hope
In a key event for the conservation of Patagonian wildlife, a new huemul birth was confirmed last month in the Shoonem Protected Park.
Located in Alto Río Senguer, Chubut province. This is the fifth birth recorded as part of an ambitious conservation program.
Currently, it is estimated that there are between 350 and 500 individuals in Argentine territory, distributed along the Andes mountain range, from Mendoza to Santa Cruz.
The recent birth is the result of joint work between the Shoonem Foundation, the Temaikèn Foundation, and the Chubut Directorate of Wildlife.
