Maras prefer sandy and low shrub habitat in Valdes Peninsula. [8] Females produce one litter each year in the wild,[8] but can produce as many as four litters a year in captivity. Their lifespan is roughly 7-10 years in the wild and 14 years … [4] It has distinctive long ears and long limbs. Lifespan: up to 14 years in captivity, unknown in the wild. The Patagonian mara (otherwise known as Patagonian cavy or hare) is a large rodent with a rather strange appearance. HABITAT: ... LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 yrs in human care. Natural History links needed! Patagonian Cavy Dolichotis patagonum. It is darker toward the rump, with the exception of a bright white patch of hair that borders their hindquarters. The Patagonian cavy population has been steadily declining at an alarming rate. They have small, compressed feet that make them resemble hooves from a distance and longer ears resembling those of a rabbit. Unlike most other cavids, such as guinea pigs and capybaras, the anal glands of the mara are between the anus and the base of the tail rather than being anterior to the anus. Despite their rabbit-like appearance. Patagonian cavy Tobi was euthanized yesterday, but he’ll live on in our hearts. Patagonian Cavy (Dolichotis Patagonum) Article By Shannon Grange Exotics. [6] In addition, the mara has a white underside with a somewhat orange flank and chin. 45 km/h. This ex­tremely short es­trous cycle is very un­usual and most likely played a part in the evo­lu­tion of monogamy in this species. It uses this speed to evade predators, such as foxes and carnivorous birds. [10][11] For the first three weeks, young remain near the den. [13] Scent marking is used by maras for complex and intense social interactions. N., (1970) "On the existence of pursuit invitation signals in mammals". It is monogamous, but often breeds in warrens shared by several pairs. This herbivorous, somewhat rabbit-like animal is found in open and semiopen habitats in Argentina, including large parts of Patagonia. There are two members of the genus Dolichotis: the Patagonian cavy or mara, and the much lesser known rabbit-sized Chacoan mara (or dwarf cavy). Taber, A. The general form of Patagonian maras is that of a long-legged rodent with a body similar to a hoofed animal. If conservation efforts are not made, the Patagonian cavy will become a threatened species. The males keep watch for predators. and approximately 2 feet long, 7-10 years in the wild and 14 years in human care, Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Potter Park Zoo. A cavy is 17-31 inches in length and weigh from 20 to 35 pounds. Despite their rabbit-like appearance. Patagonia - Patagonia - Plant life: The long, narrow strip of Patagonia’s western border supports vegetation like that found in the adjacent cordillera, primarily deciduous and coniferous forests. It is monogamous, but often breeds in warrens shared by several pairs. Cavy babies are suitable … D. Thesis, Belliol College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom. Dolichotis patagonum. Lifespan: About 14 years in captivity Patagonian Cavies These large, herbivorous, rodents are distant relatives to guinea pigs (cavies) and somewhat resemble a cross between a … At first glance, this animal looks like a small deer with long ears, similar to these of a hare. Patagonian Maras ( also commonly called Patagonian Cavies ) are the 4th largest rodents in the world behind the Capybara, Beaver, and Porcupine. In the den, each mother cavy is solely responsible for feeding and caring for her young. 1 The Patagonian cavy's unique musculoskeletal anatomy sometimes causes it to be confused with a hare, rather than a rodent. Patagonian Cavy (Patagonian Mara) Dolichotis patagonum. [3] It is also known as the Patagonian cavy, Patagonian hare, or dillaby. Captive Husbandry links needed! Found in central and southern Argentina, these animals average about 28 inches in height and are herbivores. While a female may prevent young other than her own from nursing her, some young are able to steal milk. [8] A female may sometimes nurse a young from another pair. In the Monte Desert, monocots make up 70% of their diet, while dicots make up 30%. It is monogamous, but often breeds in warrens shared by several pairs. Patagonian cavies live in burrows they dig in the ground. (1984) "Scent dispersing papillae and associated behaviour in the mara. Es­trus oc­curs once every 3 or 4 months and lasts only about half an hour. Legs, large ears, similar to these of a long-legged rodent with a somewhat orange flank chin. Toes on th… the maras are monogamous and mate for life [ 11 ] pairs breed together or... Those of a bright white patch of hair that borders their hindquarters animal grows to a length of 27! 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