A Marsh Deer Census in Brazil

Abstract

In Mato Grosso, Brazil, the authors found what may be the largest marsh deer population in South America, numbering possibly as many as 7000 animals. But it is seriously threatened, following three bad breeding seasons, 1975-77, attributable, they suspect, to disease, perhaps brucellosis which is common in the cattle of the area. Heavy flooding has also taken a toll. The marsh deer is already listed in the Red Data Book as a threatened species. © 1978, Fauna and Flora International. All rights reserved.