The greatest current impact on Key deer is the loss of habitat to development. Anticipated future population growth implies a further loss of habitat. Other current factors include road kills, mortality of young from falling into drainage ditches, and killing by free-roaming dogs. Overhunting with dogs and jacklights was probably an important factor in the 194Os and 195Os.
O.v.clavum or Key deer is the smallest race of North American deer. Adults measure 25 to 30 inches at the shoulder and have an average weight of 55 to 75 pounds for males and 45-65 pounds for females. The key deer's primary food source is the red mangrove. Key deer are restricted to Monroe County, Florida, USA.
Endangered throughout its range. The Key deer population is an estimated 25O to 3OO animals. In 1955, the number of Key deer was estimated at 25 to 8O.
The IUCN considers Odocoileus virginianus clavium as "Endangered".