#key deer

Key deer Odocoileus virginianus clavium

They're adorable. Aptly nicknamed toy deer, these things are the smallest (sub)species of deer native to North America at a whopping 45-75 lbs (20-34 kgs). Most large dog breeds are bigger than this

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They've made a big comeback since the 50s due to efforts to preserve their habitat in the Florida Keys, from 25 individuals to 700-800 today. However, they're still in a tough spot due to rising sea levels, road accidents, and habituation to humans. (The one above is being medicated by a reserve biologist for screwworms, which threatened the population in 2016-2017, but have since been dealt with)

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The Life of a Camera Trap Tech in the Florida Wildlife Corridor

Key Deer - Florida

Key Deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium)

(Photo from Emily Michot)

Conservation Status- Endangered

Habitat- Florida Keys

Size (Weight/Length)- 30 kg; 65 cm at shoulders

Diet- Leaves; Grasses; Fruits; Roots

Cool Facts- The key deer is a small subspecies of white-tailed deer that lives on a small set of islands off the Florida coast. These deer are proficient swimmers and can easily swim from island to island. They have very little fear of humans and can be found munching on lawn grass or decorative flowers on windowsills. Unfortunately, their tameness has resulted in an increased number of car collisions. Throughout history, key deer were hunted by settlers and native tribes alike. Hunting was banned in the 1940’s but poaching caused their population to plummet to only 25 individuals by 1955. Luckily, their population is slowing increasing with the help of better enforced laws and mass habitat protection.

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