The largest deer species in South America, and it’s a truly remarkable animal adapted to one of the continent’s most challenging habitats—wetlands and marshy plains. Found mainly in the Pantanal, Paraná River Delta, and other swampy regions of Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay, this deer is specially built for life in flooded environments. Its long, slender legs have widened hooves that help it walk through deep mud and water, like built-in snowshoes for swamp life. It’s one of the few large mammals that can thrive in areas where the land is soaked for much of the year, and that’s one of the big things that sets it apart from other deer species.

One of the most distinctive features of the marsh deer is its rich reddish-brown coat, which contrasts beautifully with its dark lower legs and white markings around the face, ears, and tail. Males sport large, branching antlers with up to five tines per side, making them look almost regal as they move through tall grasses. Unlike deer in forests or open plains, marsh deer are semi-aquatic—they prefer flooded areas with tall reeds and aquatic plants. They’re strong swimmers and often escape predators by wading or swimming into deep water, where most land animals can’t follow.

Marsh deer are generally shy and solitary, although they can sometimes be seen in small groups, especially during mating season. They feed mainly on aquatic plants, grasses, and shrubs, taking advantage of the lush vegetation found in their wetland homes. Their diet and mobility in soggy environments give them access to areas other herbivores avoid. Sadly, these adaptations don’t protect them from human threats. Marsh deer populations have been declining due to habitat destruction, drainage of wetlands for agriculture, poaching, and disease transmission from livestock. Their dependence on marshy ecosystems means they suffer quickly when those environments are altered or lost.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Argentina

2016

Bolivia

2016

Brazil

2016

Paraguay

2016

Peru

2016

Uruguay

Official estimate

EX

Last record in 1958