Adult males (known as bucks) usually weigh 25–34 kg (55–75 lb) and stand about 76 cm (30 in) tall at the shoulder. These animals, which weigh no more than a large dog, have a population almost as tiny as their size. Does stand 24-28 inches at the shoulder and weigh an average of 65 pounds. Key deer, a subspecies of white-tailed deer, are only found on a few islands in the Florida Keys. [3][4][5][6], Conservation efforts include the establishment of the National Key Deer Refuge, which consists of about 8,500 acres (34 km2) on Big Pine, No Name Key, and several smaller uninhabited islands. They are notable for having two large and two small hooves on each foot and also for having antlers in the males of most species and in the females of one species. In 2006, a habitat conservation plan was enacted by Monroe County and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which will limit development in primary habitat and provide for additional habitat purchases over the next 15 years. White-tailed deer, the smallest members of the North American deer family, are found from southern Canada to South America. Longevity records are 9 years for males and 7 years for females. Not all of the refuge lands are protected as public lands; despite extensive efforts of the refuge to purchase these private habitat lands for protection in the refuge, about 5,000 acres (20 km2) currently remain in private ownership and can potentially be developed. Some breeding may occur as late as February. Water Deer. Also, hanging around people and developed areas in higher than normal densities makes them more susceptible to diseases, dog attacks, and entanglements in human trash, all of which can lead to increased injuries or death. Even with such efforts in place though there aren’t believed to be more than 800 of them living in the wild. Road kills from drivers on US 1, which traverses the deer's small range, are also a major threat, averaging between 125 and 150 kills per year, 70% of the annual mortality. They males average in size from 50 to 75 pounds. The shoulder height of Key deer is between 24-32 inches. They do show up often along the roadways or eating in the gardens of residential homes. When the antlers are growing, they have a white velvet coating. The habits of the key deer are as odd as their size. Hunting them was banned in 1939, but widespread poaching and habitat destruction caused the subspecies to plummet to near-extinction by the 1950s. Without these conservation efforts continuing it is believed that this species of deer would already be extinct. The pest was declared as eradicated in April 2017. The fact that they don’t away produce any offspring through their mating efforts also makes it difficult for the population to increase. However, the population has made an encouraging rise since 1955, when population estimates ranged as low as 25, and appears to have stabilized in recent years. Their natural habitat here has continued to be taken away due to development in those areas by humans. Rutting season activities begin in September, peaking in early October and decreasing gradually through November and December. They will even take food out of the hands that people offer to them. When the antlers are growing, they … The National Key Deer Refuge, a federally administered National Wildlife Refuge operated by the Wildlife Service, was established in 1957. They measure about 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh an average of 65 pounds. For some reason these deer have a need to drink more frequently than others. It just takes time to show a significant difference. Academic literature cites “adult males, or bucks, weigh only 55-75 pounds. Living close to humans, they have little of the natural fear of man shown by most of their larger mainland relatives. Key deer are endangered because their habitat is … Key deer inhabit nearly all habitats within their range, including pine rocklands, hardwood hammocks, mangroves, and freshwater wetlands. A female (doe) weighs 45 to 65 pounds, while males (bucks) weigh 55 to 75. A Key deer forages for food in the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key. Females are smaller, weighing 65 pounds on average. The .260 Remington is basically a .308 case necked down even further to a … At the end of this period, however, most of the 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) of privately owned habitat land on Big Pine and No Name Keys will still be open for further development. A tiny Key Deer Doe grabbing a quick bite to eat at Blue Hole on Big Pine Key in Key West Florida A Key Deer Doe in natural habitat, an endangered species found on Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys. This deer can be recognized by its characteristic size, smaller than all other white-tailed deer. White-tailed deer from the tropics and the Florida Keys are markedly smaller-bodied than temperate populations, averaging 35 to 50 kg (77 to 110 lb), with an occasional adult female as small as 25 kg (55 lb). Habitat destruction due to human encroachment causes many deer to feed on non-native ornamental plants. They don’t seem to mind it and in fact, they often seem just as curious about humans. Find 34 photos of the 849 Key Deer home on Zillow. Berries make up most of their diet though and they will consume those that are black, red, or white. Conservation efforts are in place for the Key Deer due to the fact that they are on the Endangered Species list. Key Deer Facts and Information. R. Scott Horner color illustration of a Key deer. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. 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