Patagonian mara

Scientific Name: Dolichotis patagonum

Order: Rodentia

Family: Caviidae

Conservation Status

About

Patagonian maras, also known as the Patagonian cavy, Patagonian hare, or dillaby, are large rodents that have physical characteristics similar to rabbits. They are known to bounce on all of their four legs, making a movement called ‘stotting’. Historically, maras have ranged from Argentina to the southernmost tip of South Africa, Tierra del Fuego. Unfortunately, maras have been greatly affected by hunting and habitat alteration. Argentinian agriculture continues to convert grasslands into pastures. Additionally, sheep farming has resulted in competition for resources among the two herbivorous species. In Buenos Aires Province, these threats have resulted in the local extinction of this species. As of 2008, Patagonian maras are listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List. They exist in at least 12 protected areas within their native range.

Find me at EPZ

Location: Outside of Habitat HQ across from the barn.

Arrived at EPZ: Rocket & Digger- 7/21/2020

Habitat & Range
Patagonian maras inhabit central and southern Argentina. They prefer arid grasslands and brush lands with a great deal of open space. The home range of a mara pair can fluctuate up to 242 acres depending upon food availability.
Identification
The length of Patagonian maras is 2.3 to 2.5 feet. They weigh between 17.6 and 35.3 pounds. Their unique appearance is rabbit-like, yet they have long legs with a body similar to a hoofed animal. Patagonian maras have four toes on their front feet and three on their hind feet; each toe is equipped with strong claws. Their long ears, short tails and larger size set them apart from other species within the family Caviidae.
Diet
Patagonian maras are herbivores. Their diet mostly consists of grasses, cactuses, as well as some seeds, fruits and flowers. Maras are also coprophagous, ingesting their own dung to maximize nutrient absorption.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Maras are monogamous forming a lifelong pair. Males are fiercely protective of their mates. Gestation lasts around 100 days, with the female typically giving birth to one to three babies. Maras in the wild produce only one litter annually. Their lifespan is roughly 7-10 years in the wild and 14 years in human care.
Fantastic Fact
Patagonian maras share a communal burrow until they are four months old. Their parents take turns visiting them daily. The female makes a shrill call, which brings all the infant maras out from the burrow. After identifying her own offspring by smell, she leads them a short distance away from the burrow to nurse.

Patagonian mara

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact