Chilenischer Huemul Hippocamelus bisulcus (Molina, 1882)
English: Chilean Huemul; French: Huemul; Mapuche: huemul; Spanish: Huemúl.
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Former distribution: The Andes in Chile from the province of Santiago south to the Strait of Magallanes.
Present distribution: Chile, the province of Aysen and Magallanes; Argentina, Rio Negro, Chubut and Santa Cruz.
Behaviour: Preferred habitat: high, alpine grass pastures; they form herds of 2-8, feeding on herbs, grass, lichen and mosses; activity is at twilight. In summer they move up to 5000 m and in winter they inhabit the dense, lower forests. Predators include dogs and pumas.
Population status: Endangered. Total numbers: no records. (Chile 1500? Argentina a few hundred).
Brief notes:
Body weight: 50-70 kg
Head and body length: 140-170 cm
Tail length: 10-15 cm
Shoulder height: 75-90 cm
Gestation period: No records
Maximum age: No records
Trophy: No records.
Hunting methods: Formerly with dogs; protected by law.
Remarks: The populations declined due to over-hunting and competition from livestock. The Huemuls were not used to human beings at such high altitudes and could easily be hunted with dogs.
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