Neotropical ungulates of Uruguay

Abstract

Uruguay is located in the Neotropical region in a transitional zone with assemblage of diverse ecotypes being the austral limit of the distribution for several species of tropical plants and animals. The aim of this chapter is to provide a review of the Uruguayan ungulate species knowledge: the current distribution patterns, ecology, and evolutionary and demographic history. In Uruguay inhabit three species of native ungulates: collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) and gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira). The introduction of livestock produced dramatically land uses changes, being a main factor in the population decline of native ungulate species; particularly of the in situ collared peccary and marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) population extinction. Conservation measures needs to be implemented for the pampas deer and gray brocket deer, which are known that had a high population decline directly linked to the anthropogenic activities that involved the land use changes, disease transmissions, and poaching.