The Key Deer are a subspecies of white-tailed deer found only on islands in the Florida Keys. They are the smallest subspecies of white-tailed deer, averaging 24-32 inches tall and 55-65 pounds, compared to the average Virginia deer which is 32-42 inches tall and 100-150 pounds. Their small size is likely an adaptation to living on islands with limited resources, as larger deer may have struggled to survive. By the mid-1940s, the Key Deer population declined to less than 50, but has since rebounded to 600-800 due to conservation efforts like the National Key Deer Refuge established in 1957.

1. The Story of the Key Deer How animals adapt to dynamic ecosystems

2. Characteristics ofOdocoileusvirginianusclavium Smallest species of white-tailed deer Subspecies of the Virginia white-tailed deer Inhabit around 20-25 islands in the Keys 75% of the deer are found on Big Pine and No Name Keys Are the deer a metapopulation? Found nowhere else on Earth Endangered Species By the mid-1940’s there were less than 50 alive 1957- The National Key Deer Refuge created By 2000, there were between 600 to 800 deer

4. Females average weight is 100lbs and males average 150 lbs.

5. Gestation is 10 months and fawns are between 15-20 lbs at birth

7. Looking further… The key deer rely on having freshwater to live on. Some of the islands do not have freshwater sources. The deer are herbivores. What is an herbivore?

8. What are Adaptations? Natural Selection – survival of the fittest organisms that are best able to survive in an environment survive Why is this important in a dynamic ecosystem? What would have happened if the Key Deer were as large as a deer you would see in your backyard?