Patagonian mara, Patagonian Cavy, Patagonian Hare

IUCN NEAR THREATENED (NT)

 

Facts about this animal

The mara is a huge, long-legged cavy with a head-body length of 69-75 cm and a body-weight of 9-16 kg. The tail is hairless and very short, measuring about 45 mm. The hind legs have three toes with hooflike claws and are longer than the fore legs, which gave four digits.

 

The dense and fine fur is greyish-brown on the upper parts and whitish on the belly. The rump exhibits a striking white patch separated from the dorsal fur by a contrasting black area. The flanks and chin are orangish.

 

A cavy pair breeds two or three times a year. A litter consists of 1-3 young, which are born after a 3 month gestation period. The young are well developed at birth. They are born outside a burrow but are quickly placed in a communal den, usually made from a hole or tunnel abandoned by another animal. This den is home to the offspring of as many as 15 cavy pairs. Weaning occurs at about 11 weeks, and a young female may conceive when about 5 months old.

 

Maras are grazers and, like other cavies, are coprophagous.

 

 

How this animal should be transported

For air transport, Container Note 79 of the IATA Live Animals Regulations should be followed.

 

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Seduisant