[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.

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] The species is found in primary and secondary tropical forest at altitudes from sea level to 2800 m.[1] In Mexico, it is regarded as an agricultural pest by bean farmers.