AZARA AGOUTI
Dasyprocta azarae
DESCRIPTION
The Azara Agouti (Dasyprocta azarae) is a medium-sized rodent native to South America. It is known for its robust body and short legs, with a distinctive coat that varies in color from brown to gray.
FUN FACTS
- Azara Agoutis can run at speeds of up to 30 km/h | They have strong teeth that allow them to crack open hard seeds | They are known to create food caches to store surplus food
QUICK INFO
Lifespanup to 10 years in the wild, longer in captivity
Average Weight3-4 kg
Average Length50-60 cm
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuresolitary, occasionally seen in pairs
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, peaking in wet season
- Habitat
- They inhabit a variety of forested areas, including tropical and subtropical forests. They prefer areas with dense undergrowth for cover.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest, Subtropical Forest
- Native Range
- The Azara Agouti is found in parts of South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin.
- Continent
- South America
- Countries
- Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay
- Diet
- Azara Agoutis are primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, and nuts. They play a crucial role in seed dispersal in their ecosystem.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- fruits, seeds, nuts
- Social Structure
- solitary, occasionally seen in pairs
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 0
NT
VU
3-4 kg
Weight
50-60 cm
Length
- Coloration
- brown to gray fur with a lighter underbelly
- Lifespan
- up to 10 years in the wild, longer in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 90-100 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-3
- Sexual Maturity
- 6-12 months
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, peaking in wet season
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but habitat loss poses a threat.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to deforestation and hunting. These factors can lead to localized declines in their populations.
- Predators
- jaguars, pumas, large birds of prey
- Defense Mechanisms
- They rely on their speed and agility to escape predators, often using dense vegetation for cover.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon