Deer Species of Central America

Central America hosts several native deer species:

• White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) – Widespread; forests, savannas, coasts; brown/reddish coat, white tail flag.
• Brocket Deer (Mazama spp.) – Small forest deer: red, brown, gray brockets; compact, short legs, large eyes; browsers.
• Marsh Deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) – Large, wetland-adapted; swamps, flooded forests; strong swimmers; flattened, multi-tined antlers.
• Central American Red Brocket (Mazama temama) – Honduras to Panama; reddish-brown, white rump; solitary, nocturnal.
• Yucatan Brown Brocket (Mazama pandora) – Yucatan Peninsula; brown, white rump; solitary, nocturnal.

Habitat loss and hunting pressure threaten several populations.