Fun Cedros Island Mule Deer Facts For Kids
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The mule deer classification includes 10 subspecies. The Cedros Island mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus cerrosensis) is one of the subspecies of mule deer. There are other nine subspecies, including O. h. eremicus, O.h. columbianus (black-tailed deer), O. h. cerrosensis and O.h.
peninsulae. However, the status of Cedros Mexico deer as a valid subspecies is controversial. The Cedros Island mule deer is a rare animal found on Cedros Island, Mexico. The diet of this animal consists purely of a variety of vegetation as they are herbivorous.
It is an endangered subspecies of Mexico and therefore of great concern. The major threats to these animals include feral dogs and illegal hunting.
The present population range is about only 50 individuals and therefore this subspecies status is listed as Vulnerable in the Red List by the IUCN. Their population has been decreasing continuously across the world. The life span of this mule deer is between nine and 22 years.
These animals usually live in the wild. One of the most prominent characteristics of this species is its large ears from which it got its name.
For more relatable content, check out these bontebok facts and takin facts for kids.
Cedros Island Mule Deer Interesting Facts
What type of animal is a Cedros Island mule deer?
The Cedros Island mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus cerrosensis) is a mule deer subspecies indigenous to Cedros Island. It is one of the ideal animals in the American West. Some other types of deer are Indian hog deer and white-tailed deer.
What class of animal does a Cedros Island mule deer belong to?
The Cedros Island mule deer belongs to the class Mammalia, from the phylum Chordata.
How many Cedros Island mule deer are there in the world?
The total population size of mule deer species has not been estimated yet. However, according to the data collected by goHUNT, there are nearly 408,000 deer in Colorado, 106,000 in Nevada, and 80,600 deers in Utah. Unfortunately, there are only 50 Cedros Island mule deer left on the earth with no captive population.
Where does a Cedros Island mule deer live?
Mule deer species found in the west of North America ranges from Alaska to southern Baja Mexico. This species is also found in the northern boundary of Zacatecas state in Mexico and provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the south of Yukon Territory in Canada.
Although, Cedros Island mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus cerrosensis) are only found on Cedros Island of Baja California.
What is a Cedros Island mule deer's habitat?
The habitat of mule deer species ranges from higher altitude forest edges to desert, grassland, woodland. Their habitat depends upon the type of season. This species travels between a range of zones including open areas, arid regions, and rocky hillsides.
During the day, the deer rest in a cold, secluded area. Male deer of this species are usually found resting on rocky ridges, whereas females and young bucks prefer open areas.
These animals are involved in seasonal migrations. They spend summer in high elevation regions and winter in regions with lower temperatures, acute snowstorms, and deep snow. Although, these winter areas have lower rates of food availability and mobility.
Who do Cedros Island mule deer live with?
Like all species of mule deer, Cedros Island mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus cerrosensis) of Baja California are usually found in groups known as herd, mob, or gang. Although, bucks older than yearlings often remain solitary.
The group consists of multi-generational families of interconnected females with their young. To protect themselves in winter, various family groups join together to form bigger gangs.
How long does a Cedros Island mule deer live?
The life span of a mule deer of Baja California ranges between nine to 22 years.
How do they reproduce?
In general, all species of mule deer are polygynous and show courtship displays during mating season. During this season, bucks compete with each other in battles for females.
The gestation period in this species is about six to seven months, after which the females give birth to one or two fawns in the early summer. After the first pregnancy, the birth of twins is normal. The young fawns hide in the underbrush while their mothers are away, especially for feeding.
However, after a few weeks, the fawns start accompanying their mothers. Weaning of fawns occurs about after five weeks after their birth and is normally completed by the time the fawns are nearly 16 weeks old. They remain with their mothers for the first 12 months.
Sexual maturity attains at around 18 months. Although, the young are not allowed to mate until they are three to four years old.
What is their conservation status?
The conservation status of Cedros Island mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus cerrosensis) is listed as Vulnerable in the Red List by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). They usually live in North America. Their populations have danger from feral dogs and illegal hunting.
Cedros Island Mule Deer Fun Facts
What do Cedros Island mule deer look like?
Cedros Island mule deer are usually found in the region of North America, like other mule deer species except white-tailed deer that live in the western United States. The length of a Cedros Island mule deer is 59 in (150 cm), while they weigh between 94.7-330 lb (43-150 kg).
Other species of mule deer are larger than the Cedros Island mule deer in body and size. This may be due to the impact of isolation on a considerably small island which is in accordance with the island rule of Leigh Van Valen.
The fur coloration is also different in Cedros Island mule deer as compared to other species as it looks almost similar to Odocoileus hemionus. It has tannish-brown color in summer which usually turns brown-gray in the winter.
Although, the fawn has a spotted coat. Unlike black-tailed deer, it has a white-tail with a black tip. Hence, called white-tailed deer.
This animal has a white spot on its rump. The buck possesses forked antlers which are usually shed in the middle of February when the new antlers start growing immediately.
The antlers have a velvet-like skin layer that buck scrapes off after the full development their full development. In all species of mule deer, females lack antlers.
How cute are they?
The Cedros Island mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are one of the cutest subspecies of mule deer species. They are not harmless but people love them because of their adorable fur and antlers. This subspecies of deer is fun to watch.
How do they communicate?
Unfortunately, there is no information available about the communication of this mule deer species.
How big is a Cedros Island mule deer?
The size of Cedros Island mule deer is about 59 in (150 cm), which is 30 times bigger than a golden retriever chow mix.
How fast can a Cedros Island mule deer run?
The speed of Cedros Island Mule Deer is estimated at 20 mph (72 km/hr) .
How much does a Cedros Island mule deer weigh?
The weight of a male Cedros Island mule deer ranges between 121.2-330.7 lb (55-150 kg), whereas the female weighs around 94.8-198.4 lb (43-90 kg).
What are the male and female names of the species?
The female is known as doe or hind, while the male mule deer is known as buck or stag.
What would you call a baby Cedros Island mule deer?
A baby Cedros Island mule deer is called a fawn.
What do they eat?
Cedros Island mule deer mainly feed on green leaves, twigs, lower branches of trees, and numerous grasses. Their favorite food also include raspberry and blackberry vines, ferns, grapes, and mushrooms. Those residing in South Dakota feed on trees, shrub, and other varieties of grass and leaves.
Are they dangerous?
Yes, a Cedros Island mule deer is a wild and endangered animal. Therefore, it can be dangerous to human beings.
Would they make a good pet?
No, Cedros Island mule deer cannot be raised as pets since they prefer living in the wildlife. It is quite rare to domesticate this subspecies of mule deer.
However, earlier, some people in the country-side used to raise them for their meat and fur. Now that they are endangered animals, protection has been provided by the wildlife and their status is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
Did you know...
The Cedros Island mule deer do not possess any front teeth instead, they have a hard plate.
Are Cedros Island mule deer endangered?
Yes, Cedros Island mule deer are an endangered subspecies of mule deer and its status is listed as Vulnerable by IUCN. Its range is in the United States Rocky Mountains region and some western states.
Various threats to this subspecies include the majority of predator populations such as feral dogs, natural events, and habitat loss due to human population growth and development in the forest areas.
What do mule deer do at night?
These deer do not always sleep much at night. They use darkness as protection against predators, but when they sleep at night, they do so to conserve their energy and stay hidden from predators.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals from our Chinese water deer facts and fallow deer facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Cedros Island mule deer coloring pages.
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