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Odocoileus virginianus mexicanus
TAXONOMIC NOTES The SCI Mexican white-tailed deer category consists of the following subspecies: , Miquihuan whitetail (miquihuanensis), Veracruz whitetail (veraecrucis), highland Mexican whitetail (mexicanus), rain forest whitetail (toltecus), Oaxaca whitetail (oaxacensis), Acapulco whitetail (acapulcensis), and the Veracruz and Oaxaca populations of the lowland Mexican whitetail (thomasi). The name mexicanus Gmelin, 1788 has priority.
DESCRIPTION The Miquihuan whitetail (miquihuanensis) is slightly larger than the Carmen Mountains race, measuring up to 32 inches (82 cm) at the shoulder, and somewhat darker in color, especially on the upperparts, with the dorsal line more evident. It has a relatively long, narrow head. Antler conformation is similar to that of the Texas whitetail, but smaller and with shorter tines. Mostly found in southern Coahuila, southern Nuevo Léon, most of San Luis Potosí, and southwestern Tamaulipas.
The Veracruz whitetail (veraecrucis) is about the same size as the Miquihuan race, measuring up to 31-32 inches (79-81 cm) at shoulder, and has similar coloration, although with brighter tones. It is found mainly in the lowlands along the Gulf of Mexico from the Soto la Marina river in central Tamaulipas southward to the arid plains near the city of Veracruz.
The highland Mexican whitetail (mexicanus) is somewhat larger than the Miquihuan race, sometimes measuring as much as 35 inches (89 cm) at the shoulder, and is a little darker in color. It has a relatively long, narrow head. Antlers tend to be fairly wide, with the tines curving inward. It has the largest body and antlers of any Mexican form. Occurs mostly in mountain areas at an average altitude of 8,000 feet (2,450 m), from north of Guadalajara through the Valley of Mexico to Morelos and Puebla.
The rainforest whitetail (toltecus) is a smaller race with darker coloration and a shorter head. Antlers normally have four points to a side, including a brow tine, and are fairly widespread, with inwardly curving tines. Usually lacks metatarsal glands. Lives in the high mountains between Puebla and Veracruz and north of Oaxaca.
The Oaxaca whitetail (oaxacensis) is smaller than the highland whitetail, is lighter in color and has a shorter head. Measures about 29 inches (74 cm) at the shoulder. Antlers are narrow, with the beams curving strongly forward and the tines curving inward. It occurs in the high mountains of Oaxaca.
The Acapulco whitetail (acapulcensis) is a small race, up to 26 inches (66 cm) at the shoulder, with a light coloration. Antlers are small, with adult males often growing only spikes. Usually lacks metatarsal glands. Found in a narrow belt along the Pacific coast and nearby inland hills, from Colima eastward through Oaxaca.
The lowland Mexican whitetail (thomasi) is a relatively large race, more brightly colored than other Mexican and Central American whitetails. Summer coat is bright tawny, with a grizzled golden tint developing in the longer winter coat. Tail is bright tawny on top. Forehead is black, or black and tawny. Antlers are narrow, growing back in the plane of the face, with the tips curving forward and inward. Usually three points to a side, including a brow tine. Occurs on the coastal plains of the Gulf of Mexico from the city of Veracruz eastward, and southward through eastern Veracruz and Oaxaca states to the Pacific Ocean. (This race is also found in Tabasco, parts of Campeche and Chiapas, and southern Guatemala; however, these populations are included in the Central American whitetail category.)
HABITAT Open grassland, savanna and light forest, at any altitude. Preferably arid or semi-arid country.
DISTRIBUTION In the states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Naiarit, Jalisco, Colima, San Luis Potosi, Guanajuato, Michocan, Vera Cruz, Guerrero, Queretaro, Oaxaca, Puebla, Hidalgo, and Edo Mexoco.
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