The smallest species of deer is the pudu. Pudus are native to South America and belong to two species: the northern pudu (Pudu mephistophiles) and the southern pudu (Pudu puda). They are known for their small size and are often referred to as “dwarf deer.”
The southern pudu is slightly larger than the northern pudu, with a height of around 13 to 17 inches (32 to 43 centimeters) at the shoulder and weighing between 20 to 33 pounds (9 to 15 kilograms). The northern pudu is even smaller, standing at around 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35 centimeters) tall and weighing between 18 to 30 pounds (8 to 14 kilograms).
Pudus have compact bodies, short legs, and are excellent at navigating dense vegetation. Their small size allows them to move easily through forest understories and escape predation. They primarily inhabit temperate rainforests and are known for their shy and elusive nature.