Common Name: Patagonian Cavy Scientific Name: Dolichotis patagonum
LOWER RISK Patagonian Cavy Distribution: South America
Patagonian Cavies are more commonly known as Mara. Mara are large rodents belonging to the guinea pig family. They are grey-brown in colour, with a white underside. They have rear legs which are slightly larger than their forelegs. This means they can move in a variety of ways, including by jumping.
Habitat: Grassland
Mara occupy grassland and savannah where the climate is arid. They are found in areas of central and southern Argentina. Mara spend a large amount of time sunning themselves and are active during the day.
Height: Approx. 75cm
Mara are vegetarian eating primarily grass but also any other vegetation that is available.
Weight: Up to 16kg Diet: Herbivorous
Numbers in the wild are declining due to habitat destruction and competition for food with introduced hares. Mara are monogamous (mate with the same partner for life) and they mate several times each year. The female has a three month gestation period and gives birth to between 1 – 3 young. These young are raised in a communal burrow with other youngsters. They may use an abandoned burrow or dig one. The parents return periodically to feed the young and use scent to recognise which ones belong to them. The young are weaned within three months and are sexually active before six months of age. The usually move around in pairs but if they need to make long journeys they travel en masse.