Yucatan Brown Brocket Deer Spotted in Belize Maya Forest

The CWC-Belize: Ix Jaguar Project, in collaboration with the Belize Maya Forest Trust, has confirmed the presence of the Yucatan Brown Brocket deer (Odocoileus pandora) in the Belize Maya Forest.

While scientists and researchers long suspected that the species’ range extended into Belize, until now there was no photographic evidence to support this. Thanks to camera traps installed throughout the forest, the discovery has officially expanded the list of deer species found in Belize to three: White-tailed Deer, Red Brocket, and the newly confirmed Yucatan Brown Brocket.

The Yucatan Brown Brocket deer can be identified by its distinctive grayish-brown coat, back-arching posture similar to the Red Brocket, and lighter underparts and legs. Bucks typically feature single-tine antlers measuring six to eight inches in length.

CWC-Belize: Ix Jaguar Project said in a Facebook post: “A groundbreaking discovery in Belize! Our team has confirmed the presence of the Yucatan Brown Brocket deer (Odocoileus pandora) in the Belize Maya Forest . While many including scientists suspected the species ranged into Belize, until now there was no confirmed photographic evidence. Thanks to our cameras in the Belize Maya Forest, we can officially confirm that Belize is home to three deer species: White-tailed Deer, Red Brocket, and now the Yucatan Brown Brocket!”