Patagonian Cavy
Dolichatis patagonum
Class: Mammalia Order: Rodentia Family: Caviidae
Size
Length: 27-30 in Weight: 18-35 lbs
Lifespan
Lifespan (Wild): 10 years
Lifespan (Captivity): 14 years
Diet
Grasses and other vegetation
Habitat & Range
Lowland areas such as grasslands of Patagonia and Argentina
Interesting Facts
Patagonian cavies, also called maras, are large rodents that resemble rabbits and hares, but are actually rodents like guinea pigs.
Maras build dens in open habitats. Males and females usually bond for life. The males watch for predators while the females raise the babies, called pups.
They are very fast runners and can reach up 35 mph. Their hind feet have three toes with hoof like claws, and their front feet have four clawed toes for digging.
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Threats
The biggest threat to this species is loss of habitat from wetland drainage and pollution.
