Guided Pony Rides
Look at the Animals we have for sale on
the left menu bar.
|
|
|
|
The Patagonian Cavy, is a relatively large rodent in the mara genus (Dolichotis). It is also known as the "Patagonian cavy" or "Patagonian hare".
HabitatThe Patagonian Mara lives in Central and Southern Argentina. Maras inhabit arid grasslands and scrub desert. Maras like to live in burrows and will occasionally inhabit burrows that were made by other animals. See Current Threats below for information on habital loss. Food & dietThe Patagonian Mara eats grasses and other vegetation. Social StructureMara social structure is defined mostly by the fact that they are monogamous, mating for life. Beavers, also rodents, mate for life. Mara couples inhabit a territory of approximately 40 hectares. The male always follows the female—on guard for rival males and predators. Very little territoriality is evident, though males appear to have a dominance hierarchy. Maras spend most of their time with their mate, traveling as a pair. However, they will occasionally move in large groups of 70 to lakes where food is plentiful. Patagonian Maras are active during the day, which is called diurnal. The Cavies/Maras are the closest relative to the guinea pig. Mating & reproductionMaras are monogamous and mate for life. Patagonian Mara young, called pups, are kept in a communal burrow called a creche. As many as 15 pairs of Maras may deposit their young in one creche. Mara pups are well developed and can start grazing within 24 hours of birth. However, they remain in the creche for up to four months where Mothers return several times a day to nurse their young. Maras usually produce two young per litter and produce three to four litters per year.
Life ExpectancyIn captivity, Maras normally live 5-7 years but have been known to live for up to 10 years. Scientific classification and relativesThe Patagonian Mara is from the family Caviidae, which includes cavies, such as their larger relative the capybara, and guinea pigs. Patagonian Maras are closely related to the other member of the Dolichotis Genus, the Chacoan Mara. Patagonian Maras are the fourth largest type of rodent in the world after the capybara, beaver, and certain porcupines. Though the Mara may look like a rabbit, the rabbit is not actually a rodent and therefore not as closely related to the Mara as one might expect.
Maras in captivityPatagonian Maras are often kept in zoos, or as pets. Maras that were raised from birth among humans are very social with humans, though if they are not used to humans they may shift to being active at night in order to avoid interaction. Maras breed well in captivity. |
Family owned and operated by :Mark , Melissa, Landon & Darrah Purdy
|
