THE world's smallest species of deer has been born at Bristol Zoo.
The male pudu is now one month old and recently ventured out into his paddock with mum and dad for the first time.
At birth it weighed no more than 1kg and still weighs less than 2kg.
The tiny youngster has distinctive white spotted markings on his back which help to camouflage him from predators.
The breeding of the South American pudu is part of an international conservation breeding programme.
Assistant curator for mammals Lynsey Bugg said: "Behaviour at the moment is still what you would expect from a young fawn. He enjoys hiding in shrubs and undergrowth where he feels most secure. Mum is very good at moving him around as she sees fit but he will always choose a quiet and secluded spot to settle."
She added: "We'll see him becoming more confident over the coming weeks and would expect him to wean at around two to three months old."
Bristol Zoo last bred a pudu in 2010, named Evan. Evan has now been moved to Edinburgh Zoo.
Pudus are classified as a vulnerable species. They live in lowland temperate rainforests in Chile and south-west Argentina but their numbers have declined due to their rainforest habitat being destroyed and cleared for cattle ranching and other human developments, as well as natural predators such as pumas and foxes.
They are the world's smallest species of deer, standing at 38cm at the shoulder when fully grown and weighing around 9-15kg (20-33lbs). A male's antlers only grow to 10cm long.
Bristol Zoo Gardens is a conservation and education charity and relies on the generous support of the public not only to fund its important work in the zoo, but also its vital conservation and research projects spanning five continents.
For more information about visiting Bristol Zoo Gardens, visit the website at www.bristolzoo.org.uk or phone 0117 974 7300.
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