O Wetland deer(Blastocerus dichotomus) prospered in much of South America, from Argentina to Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Peru. Today, the species is in decline due to habitat degradation.
One of the corners of South America where this reddish-brown animal with black legs found refuge was in the wetlands of the Brazilian Pantanal. This vast area favors this shy deer to survive attacks from predators.
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The slightly shaggy coat is reddish-brown or tan, with the underparts, especially the lower surface of the neck, being lighter in color. The lower legs are black in color. Unlike many species of deer, young are born spotless.
Its muzzle and lips are noticeably black. The ears are large and lined with white coloring. The surface of the tail is the same color as the back, while the underside is dark brown or black. Males carry a pair of large, dark yellow horns about two feet long, with four or five teeth on each. Its length can reach almost two meters and the weight up to 110 kg.
The gestation period is 260 days and usually only one calf is born. Weaning takes place after approximately 5 months and sexual maturity around one year.
Cubs can stay in their mother's care for over a year after birth.
Remaining hidden during the day, marsh deer emerge at dusk to graze in flooded clearings, retreating again in the early morning. As its name and habitat preference imply, the marsh deer frequently enters aquatic environments.
Excessive flooding causes these deer to shelter on higher lands, where they often come into contact with domestic cattle, which carry various diseases that are fatal to this species. Males do not fight over breeding privileges, which makes horns ornamental objects.
Floodplains and humid forests in central South America.
