In 1792 Robert Kerr originally described it as a unique separate species as opposed to a subspecies.[3] It was treated as a subspecies of the red brocket (Mazama americana) from South America, but its karyotype has 2n = 50, while the latter's was initially described as having 2n = 68–70.[1] However, a more recent description gives the red brocket a variable karyotype with 2n ranging from 48 to 54, suggesting it represents several species.[4] It is sympatric with the Yucatan brown brocket (Odocoileus pandora) over part of its range. Additionally, it was estimated that Mazama temama diverged from other red brocket deer about 2 MYA. This was estimated through analysis of concatenated sequences from the mitochondrial gene ND2, Cytb, and tRNA-Pro-Control region.[5]
In Mexico, it is regarded as an agricultural pest by bean farmers.[1] It is probably threatened by hunting and deforestation.[1] Due to not much being known about the species, it is rated as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.
^Escobedo-Morales, L. A., Mandujano, S., et al. (2016). First phylogenetic analysis of Mesoamerican brocket deer Mazama pandora and Mazama temama (Cetartiodactyla: Cervidae) based on mitochondrial sequences: Implications for Neotropical deer evolution [Abstract]. Mammalian Biology, 81(3), 303-313. doi:10.1016/j.mambio.2016.02.003
