Southern pudu are solitary animals and only come together during the breeding season, or ‘rut’ (8), in April and May (4). Females typically bear one fawn each year, from November to January, after a gestation period of approximately seven months (7) (8). Young southern pudus are weaned at 2 months, fully sized at 3, and sexually mature at 6 months for females and 8 to 12 for males (6). Offspring may remain with the adult female for 8 to 12 months before becoming independent (8).
This deer is active by both day and night, but mostly during the late afternoon, evening and morning, when it forages for leaves, twigs, bark, buds, fruit and seeds. Due to their small size, individuals often have to stand upright on their hind legs or jump onto fallen tree trunks to reach higher vegetation (6). The southern pudu navigates through the dense vegetation via a network of well-trodden trails, pathways and small tunnels, which lead to feeding and resting areas within their 16 to 26 hectare home range (4) (7). Dung piles are often formed next to these trails, usually near resting places (6).