- The Dolichotis patagonum, commonly known as the Patagonian mara or Patagonian cavy, is a remarkable large rodent native to Argentina. Standing at around 45 centimeters in height and weighing between 8 to 16 kilograms, this unique creature bears a striking resemblance to both a rabbit and a small deer, earning it the nickname “rabbit-like cavy.”
- The mara’s most distinctive features include its long legs, particularly the well-developed hindlimbs adapted for running, and its relatively large head with prominent rounded ears. Its fur is grayish-brown on the upper body, with distinctive white patches on the rump and underparts. The face often displays subtle white markings around the eyes and mouth, adding to its endearing appearance.
- One of the most fascinating aspects of the Patagonian mara is its monogamous social behavior, which is unusual among rodents. Pairs bond for life and can often be seen sharing territories with other couples in communal living arrangements. During breeding season, multiple pairs may share a common nursery area where they care for their young, though each pair recognizes and tends primarily to their own offspring.
- The species is well-adapted to the arid and semi-arid regions of Patagonia, preferring open grasslands and shrubland habitats. They are diurnal animals, most active during dawn and dusk, spending their time foraging for various plant materials including grasses, herbs, and bark. Their diet and digestive system are specialized for processing tough vegetation, similar to other cavy species.
- In terms of locomotion, maras are impressive runners, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 kilometers per hour. They typically move in a unique hopping gait reminiscent of small antelopes, and when threatened, they can execute rapid escape maneuvers with remarkable agility. This ability, combined with their excellent hearing and vision, helps them evade predators in their open habitat.
- Conservation status of the Patagonian mara is currently near threatened, primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion and competition with introduced livestock. Their population has declined significantly in many areas of their historical range, though they adapt relatively well to protected areas and some agricultural landscapes where persecution is minimal.
