The Patagonian cavy (Dolichotis patagonum) or mara, is number three on the list of giant rodents. Only the capybara and the beaver are larger in the order rodentia. They are native to the grasslands or pampas of Patagonia and Argentina, where they spend a generous amount of time basking in the sun.
These rodents are excellent diggers and often build their own dens. However, they are just as satisfied with inhabiting one built by a different species. Cavies are non-aggressive, very social animals, and can live in groups of up to thirty-five members. They vocalize with sounds very close to their cousin, the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), with grunts, squeals and grumbles.
The mara bears a striking resemblance the mythical jackalope. It has a grey-brown coat with white on the rump and underside of the tail like a deer or antelope. The front feet have four toes with sharp claws, a rodent-looking trait. But the hind legs are slender with three toes that resemble hooves. Patagonian cavies walk with their hind ends up, just like a little deer. Their ears and faces are long giving them a remarkable likeness to a kangaroo. They also hop and bounce like a rabbit.
Cavies have a strong fight or flight response. When a cavy is startled, it can leap up to six feet straight into the air and is capable of reaching thirty-five miles per hour while running.
Patagonian Cavy Stats
- Order: Rodentia
- Suborder: Cavimorpha
- Family: Caviides
- Species: Dolichotis patagonum
- Height: 2 ‘at the shoulder when fully mature.
- Length: 2 ½ ‘ at maturity.
- Weight: up to 35 lbs at maturity.
- Lifespan: 10 years in the wild, 14 years in captivity
- Diet: Herbivore – Maras eat grasses and other vegetation.
- Habits: They are basically diurnal (active in the day), however around humans they will tend to move about in the very early or late hours.
The Mara Family
This cavy is one of the few monogamous mammals in the world, that is, they mate for life. They usually breed two to three times a year, in mid-winter to mid-spring, and have one to three babies per litter. The young are born after a three month gestation, fully furred, and eyes open. They begin to walk within minutes of birthing.
Maras have an unusual offspring rearing behavior for a mammal. After the young are born, the mother puts them into a communal den (crèche) with babies from other maras. It’s possible a crèche can house the offspring of up to fifteen cavy mothers.
Each breeding pair of cavies goes down into the crèche to nurse their young, locating their own babies by scent. The female drives off all but her own young while nursing and only one pair at a time visit the crèche.
Patagonian Cavies as Pets
In certain states, cavies are allowed to be kept as pets. Cavy owners say these exotic pets form strong bonds to their human caretakers, and are quite non-aggressive. They do require secure housing and specialized care, however, so deciding to own a Patagonian cavy needs to be a decision made responsibly.
Owning an exotic pet is controversial, so before attempting to purchase a Patagonian cavy, thorough research on dietary, environmental, social, and behavioral requirements is necessary. Find a reputable Patagonian cavy breeder, and please don’t support any one who had captured maras from the wild to sell as pets.
Also, it is of the utmost importance to check with the laws of your particular state, and local area on exotic pet ownership. Failure to do so could be disastrous for the animal.
Where Patagonian Cavies Stand With Habitat
At this time, the Patagonian cavy is not on the endangered species list. However, it does have some stiff competition as far as habitat. Mara numbers are declining due to the European rabbit being introduced to Argentina. Rabbits eat the same food as the cavy and rabbits reproduce at a much faster rate.
Chris McLaughlin - Chris McLaughlin's gardening books include "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Heirloom Vegetables." Check out her complete profile.
