Transcript Florida Key Deer

Florida Key Deer
Odocoileus virginianus clavium
Introduction to Key Deer
 Found in the Florida
Keys, mainly on Big
Pine and No Name
Keys
 SMALL – Does are
about 26 inches at
the shoulder and
weigh about 65
pounds. Bucks are
about 30 inches at
the shoulder and
weigh about 80
pounds.
Relative Species
 Virginia White-Tailed
Deer is closest relative,
the Key Deer is a
subspecies of the whitetailed deer.
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Artiodactyla
Family:Cervidae
Genus:Odocoileus
Species:O. virginianus
Subspecies:O. v. clavium
Background Information
 Migration
- From a land bridge from
mainland many thousands
of years ago.
 Numbers
- Currently about 700 to 800,
have been as low as 27.
 Endangered
- Decreasing population
numbers made
endangered in 1957
Strategies
 “K” Strategist
 Iteroparous & Univoltine
 Food
- Mangroves, berries,
plants, mainly fresh, but
some salt water.
 Habitat
- Most active from dusk till
dawn, resides in cool
areas during the day, on
the Keys and nearby
islands.
Conservation
 In 1957 the National
Key Deer Refuge
was established.
 Research
 Relocation
 Education
KEY DEER
(Odocoileus virginianus clavium)
Range:
Found only in the Lower Florida Keys
Habitat:
Hardwood hammocks, pinelands, mangrove stands
Diet:
Leaves, berries, and fruit
Approx. Dimensions
of Adult:
60-80 lbs. (males weighing more than females)
Lifespan:
Reproduction:
1 fawn usually born in the spring
These deer can drink saltwater, for a limited amount of time, if no freshwater is available.