In early November 2024, a rare pudu fawn was born at an Argentine biopark, providing scientists and conservationists with a valuable chance to study and observe this tiny, elusive species. The male pudu fawn, weighing just 1.21 kg (2.7 lbs), was named Lenga after a tree species native to the Andean Patagonian forest. Pudus are known to be one of the smallest deer species, growing up to 50 cm (20 inches) tall and weighing up to 12 kg (26.5 lbs). Lenga’s birth has brought attention to the vulnerability of pudus, with only about 10,000 remaining in the wild. These animals are classified as near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to threats from wild dogs and other introduced species in their habitat.

Lenga’s birth offers new hope for the conservation of pudus, as it provides an opportunity for researchers to gather essential data. The fawn will spend its early months under the care of its mother, Chalten, and father, Nicolino. During this time, Lenga will be breastfed until it can transition to a herbivorous diet. The white spots on Lenga’s fur will help it camouflage, protecting it from both daytime and nighttime predators. The Temaiken Foundation, which manages the park, is optimistic that studying Lenga will improve understanding of pudu behavior and help refine conservation strategies for these endangered deer and other species from the Patagonian region, including the huemul. This birth is seen as a crucial step in preventing the species from facing extinction.