Pronunciation: [mazˈɑːmə] (IPA) 
Mazama is spelled with four letters that represent five sounds. The first two letters, "m" and "a", are pronounced just as they are written in the English alphabet. The next two letters, "z" and "a", are a bit trickier. They actually represent a single sound, the "z" sound followed by a vowel sound similar to the "a" in "father". Finally, the last letter "m" represents a separate "m" sound. Altogether, "mazama" is pronounced /məˈzɑmə/.
Mazama is a noun that refers to a genus of small deer-like mammals that belong to the family Cervidae. These animals are commonly known as brocket deer or forest deer and are found in various regions of Central and South America.
The Mazama genus is characterized by their small size, typically measuring between 60 to 80 centimeters in height and weighing around 15 to 30 kilograms. They have a slender body structure, with long legs and a short tail. The coat of the Mazama is usually brown or reddish-brown, with some species exhibiting speckled or spotted patterns. These deer have proportionally small antlers that may be present in males, but are often inconspicuous.
Mazamas are mainly found in dense forested areas, where they are well-adapted to maneuvering through the underbrush with their agile bodies. They are herbivorous animals, feeding on a variety of vegetation including leaves, fruits, and grasses. Due to their small size, they primarily rely on their keen sense of hearing and smell to detect predators and evade them.
The name "mazama" is derived from a Native American language, specifically from the Nahuatl word "mazatl," which translates to "deer." This name pays homage to the deer-like appearance and characteristics of the Mazama genus. Despite their small stature, these graceful animals play a crucial role in the ecosystem by contributing to seed dispersal and maintaining the balance of vegetation in their respective habitats.
The word "mazama" originates from the Nahuatl language, which is spoken by indigenous people in Mexico. It is specifically derived from the Nahuatl term "mazāmatl", where "mazā" means deer and "matl" means "clothing" or "veil". Thus, "mazāmatl" translates to "deer veil" or "deer cloak". The term was used by the indigenous people in reference to the species of deer known as "mazama", which are small to medium-sized deer found in the Americas. Over time, "mazama" has been adopted as the genus name for this group of deer species.
