![]() ![]() ![]() In addition, the mara has a white underside with a somewhat orange flank and chin. It has a gray dorsal pelage with a white patch on the rump separated from the dorsal fur by a black area. Its tail is short, depressed, and hairless. The fore feet have four digits while the hind feet have three digits. The feet are compressed, making them hoof-like. Its hind limbs are longer and more muscular than its fore limbs and it has a longer radius than humerus. It has distinctive long ears and long limbs. The Patagonian mara resembles a jackrabbit. It is monogamous, but often breeds in warrens shared by several pairs. A population has also been recorded in the northern United Arab Emirates, possibly as a result of escaped pets or captive animals. This herbivorous, somewhat rabbit-like animal is found in open and semiopen habitats in Argentina, including large parts of Patagonia. It is also known as the Patagonian cavy, Patagonian hare, or dillaby. The female nurses the pups and interacts with them, while the male stands guard and watches for predators.The Patagonian mara ( Dolichotis patagonum) is a relatively large rodent in the mara genus Dolichotis. The gestation period lasts about three months, and the female gives birth to an average of two pups per litter. Females begin breeding when they are eight months old. Pairs of Maras are monogamous, and breed with the same partner for life. As many as 70 animals live in a single community of dens! The pairs work together, “babysitting” each other’s offspring while the others forage for food. Mated pairs usually forage alone, but multiple pairs share a den at night. These diurnal creatures sleep in dens overnight, and spend their days foraging for food. They feed the rodents a variety of fruits and vegetables, hay, and pelleted rodent food. Zookeepers let guests meet the animal, and they teach the guests about the importance of conservation. When socialized at an early age, they make wonderful animal ambassadors. Mara Careīoth species fare well in zoos, and breed readily. In many places, it is also illegal to own this rodent as a pet. They are wild animals, and their care is quite different from that of a dog or a cat. These rodents generally do not make good pets. Humans have not domesticated this species in any way. ![]() The IUCN lists the Patagonian species as Near Threatened, and the Chacoan species as Least Concern. In addition to indirect impacts, humans also hunt these creatures for their meat and hide. Habitat destruction, primarily for agricultural purposes, is the primary threat to these creatures.įarming also increases competition for food. Human activity impacts the different species in different ways. During the dry season they rely more heavily on cactus and other succulents. Individuals in different regions feed on different plant species. Their exact diet varies based on where they live and what season it is. They eat a variety of plant parts, including stems, leaves, grasses, seeds, cactus, fruits, and more. Like most rodents, these creatures are herbivores. The Chacoan species also lives in Argentina, but its range extends into portions of Paraguay and Bolivia. It ranges throughout the center of the country, its distribution bordering the Andes Mountain range. The Patagonian species lives only in Argentina. Some live in wetlands and along riverbanks and streams, others utilize forests and scrublands. The Chacoan species inhabits a variety of regions. It prefers desert, scrub, steppe, and savanna habitats. The Patagonian species lives only in arid regions with low rainfall. The two species live in a variety of different habitats. These groups even take turns watching the young at the den! However, multiple pairs congregate in communal dens at night. Socialite – During the day these creatures move about in pairs searching for food.Some reach speeds of 18 mph or more while running. They also hop and bounce along when they move. Athletic Animals – These creatures are similar to rabbits in more than just their appearance.It ranges throughout Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Chacoan Mara – This species is the smaller of the two.Patagonian Mara – The larger of the two species, this mammal lives exclusively in Argentina.These rodents are interesting looking to say the least! Learn what else makes these creatures unique below. Generally, these creatures measure between 16 in. or more, while others weigh just 5 or 6 lbs. ![]()
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