Hippocamelus antisensis (Artiodactyla: Cervidae)

Abstract

Hippocamelus antisensis (d'Orbigny, 1834) is a cervid commonly called taruca or taruka and is 1 of 2 species in the genus Hippocamelus. It is a medium-sized, dimorphic ungulate with characteristic facial markings. It lives at high altitude along steep slopes composed of rocky areas with sparse vegetation in the central Andes. It is widely distributed but limited in population size, considered "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, and is represented poorly in zoos. It is illegally hunted throughout its distribution, and is affected by anthropogenic activities.