Mazama rufina (Artiodactyla: Cervidae)

Abstract

Abstract: Mazama rufina (Pucheran, 1851) is a small endemic cervid of the Andes of northern South America, commonly called the dwarf red brocket or little red brocket. It stands about 45 cm tall at the shoulder, has a red coloring on the body, with darker brown to black on the face and legs. Mazama rufina is one of eight species in the genus Mazama. It is generally found in the Andes mountain range that spans parts of Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela inhabiting the páramo and remaining patches of forest. It is currently considered “Vulnerable” (VU) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, mostly due to habitat destruction from encroaching human populations.