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Marsh Deer

Marsh Deer

Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Peru
Status
Vulnerable

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Forest, Wetland

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
seeds, plant shoots, grasses, and wild berries

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
crepuscular

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

<div><p>Blastocerus dichotomus (ZMB_MAM 2052)</p> <p>The species is represented by an adult male (MTR = 85.11 mm; MDL = 91.41 mm; BB = 76.09 mm); writing on the skull reads “ San Paulo Sello” (Fig. 8 a). This locality is probably incorrect, since the species occurred only in marshy habitats in western São Paulo, along the banks of the Rio Paraná, a region not visited by Sellow (Piovezan et al. 2010). The species also occurred in Brazil and Uruguay, along the banks of the Rio Uruguay (Piovezan et al. 2010), and it is more probable that this specimen came from these countries, near that river.</p></div>
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Marsh Deer is officially designated as Vulnerable. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to forest, wetland, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of seeds, plant shoots, grasses, and wild berries. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a crepuscular activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 15 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Marsh Deer.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeArgentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Peru
Habitat RangeForest, Wetland
Lifespan15 Yrs
StatusVulnerable
ScientificBlastocerus dichotomus
Registry Info
Lifespan15 years
KingdomAnimalia
FamilyCervidae