The Patagonian cavy, also known as the Patagonian mara or Patagonian hare, is a distinctive rodent species native to Argentina. This unique mammal blends features of a rabbit, a small deer, and a guinea pig. As a large rodent, it plays a role in its native ecosystems.
Physical Traits and Classification
The Patagonian cavy (Dolichotis patagonum) is a large rodent, typically weighing between 17.6 and 35 pounds and measuring 27 to 30 inches in head and body length, with a short tail. It has long ears and slender, muscular hind legs, which contribute to its rabbit-like or deer-like resemblance. The front feet have four digits, while the hind feet possess three hoof-like claws.
Its fur is generally brownish-gray on the back and upper sides, with a darker patch near the rump. A white patch is present on each side of the rump, extending down the haunches, and the underside is white with an orange tint around the flanks and chin.
The Patagonian cavy belongs to the family Caviidae, which also includes guinea pigs and capybaras. They are classified within the order Rodentia.
Habitat, Diet, and Behavior
Patagonian cavies are found exclusively in central and southern Argentina, including Patagonia. They prefer open and semi-open lowland habitats, such as arid grasslands, shrublands, and creosote bush flats. While they can dig their own burrows, they often utilize abandoned ones or share communal dens.
As herbivores, their diet primarily consists of grasses, but they also consume other shrubs, plants, cacti, and fruits. They are diurnal, active during the day, foraging and sunbathing.
Patagonian cavies exhibit a unique social structure; they form strictly monogamous pairs that typically bond for life. Despite their monogamous pairs, they often gather in large groups during breeding season to share communal burrows for raising young. These dens can house multiple litters, sometimes shared by 29 to 70 maras.
When threatened, they escape predators like pumas, foxes, grisons, and birds of prey by galloping or “stotting,” jumping with all four feet simultaneously, reaching speeds of over 25 miles per hour.
Conservation Status and Pet Suitability
The Patagonian cavy is listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to declining populations. Major threats to their survival include habitat loss due to agriculture and land conversion, increased competition for food with introduced herbivores like domestic sheep and European hares, and historical hunting for their meat and hides. Conservation efforts, such as nature preserves, protect their habitats and breeding grounds.
While Patagonian cavies can be kept as pets, it requires significant consideration due to their needs. They are large, active rodents that require ample space, ideally a secure outdoor enclosure with access to grass for grazing and a sheltered area. Their burrowing instincts mean outdoor enclosures need to be dug down and reinforced to prevent escape.
They can be affectionate and even trained to use a litter box and walk on a leash if acquired young and socialized frequently. However, they are not typical house pets and require a diet of hay, guinea pig pellets, and fresh greens. Their wild nature and need for extensive space present more challenges than common domestic pets.