The global community responded to concerns about the status and future of the Patagonian huemul, an endemic deer of southern Chile and Argentina, by creating the Huemul Task Force (HTF) in the IUCN-The World Conservation Union Species Survival Commission. The Huemul Scientific Committee, functioning within the HTF, specifically addresses the scientific issues as related to the huemul’s recovery.

Our Mandate:
The HTF is expected to provide recommendations and guidelines based on sound scientific information through which recovery of huemul can be achieved. To this end the Huemul Scientific Committee was created to determine the current status of huemul and to identify scientifically acceptable methodology appropriate for the species recovery. These insights will be applied to develop a Huemul Action Plan.

Objectives:
1. Provide reliable scientific information on the species’ status and assess prospects for huemul recovery
2. Assess and monitor the status of huemul.

Work Plan for 2007/08:
1. During the first 6 months, the Huemul Scientific Committee will prepare an outline of issues to be covered with the objective to work towards the completion of a biological status report.
2. Review and compile information to be used for a biological status report.