Mazama americana
red brocket

Red brockets occur from southern Mexico to northern Argentina up to 2000m elevation.

These small deer live in dense, moist forest and are found in mature and secondary rainforest, forest edges, gardens, and plantations. Their small size allows them to slip through dense vegetation, and they will readily swim to escape danger.

Small deer (shoulder height 670-760mm) with chestnut-red body and legs, lighter chestnut belly, and grey head and neck. Males have short, unbranched antlers that are directed backwards. Measurements: Total: 1040-1340mm; Tail: 95-145mm; Hind Foot: 580-800mm; Ear: 86-105mm.

In Argentina, red brocket deer reproduce from August to October. In Suriname, does give birth over at least a seven month period, while in Guyana fawning occurs throughout the year. Does typically give birth to one young, but twinning is not uncommon. The gestation period in captivity averages 225 days. Does reach sexual maturity after 13 months, stags are mature at 12 months.

Little is known about these elusive deer. They are both diurnal and nocturnal. They are usually seen singly or as courting pairs and do not form aggregations. Does hide their spotted young after birth and return to nurse it. The fawn begins to follow its mother several weeks after birth.

Red brocket deer are selective browsers and prefer to feed on fruit. When fruit is not available, leaves are the primary food source. During the wet season, fungimake up a large part of the diet.

Red brocket are hunted extensively for food.

They may do some damage to ornamental gardens and plantations planted on the forest edge.

CITES Appendix III in Guyana. Red brocket are widespread and common through much of their range. They are scarce in some areas and are threatened by hunting and deforestation.