Cavia cutleri, commonly known as the “Restless Cavy,” is a wild species native to South America. This small rodent is a wild relative of the domestic guinea pig. Studying the Restless Cavy provides insight into the origins and evolution of its domesticated counterparts and offers a glimpse into the diverse wildlife of the Andean region.
Meet the Restless Cavy
The Restless Cavy, Cavia cutleri, is a medium-sized rodent, measuring about 247 mm (9.7 inches) in total length. Its physical appearance varies by geographical location. In Peru, its dorsal fur is often dark reddish-brown mixed with black, with dark buffy-grey underparts.
Cavies in Chile tend to have pale agouti brown dorsal surfaces and lighter underparts. Those in Bolivia may exhibit agouti olive upper parts and creamy-white or white underparts. These wild cavies have smooth fur, unlike some domesticated guinea pigs. Like other cavies, they have stout bodies, short legs, and no external tail.
Life in the Wild
The Restless Cavy is indigenous to the high Andes mountain range in South America. Its natural habitat spans from Peru southwards into Chile’s Tarapacá Region and Argentina’s Tucumán Province. These cavies thrive at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 3,800 meters (6,600 to 12,500 feet) above sea level.
They prefer moist environments with rocks and coarse vegetation, utilizing dense foliage to create runways. In Argentina, the Restless Cavy constructs burrows with multiple entrances for shelter. These animals are known for their fast movements and are born with their eyes open, allowing them to be mobile shortly after birth.
The Ancestral Connection
Cavia cutleri has a complex taxonomic history, initially described by E.T. Bennett in 1835. In 1867, L. Fitzinger reclassified a distinct wild Peruvian guinea pig, previously confused with C. cutleri, renaming it Cavia tschudii. Modern studies indicate that Cavia tschudii, also known as the montane guinea pig, is the primary ancestor of the domestic guinea pig, Cavia porcellus.
While Cavia tschudii is the most likely main ancestor, the domestic guinea pig may also have minor genetic contributions from other wild Cavia species. Indigenous peoples of the Andes, including modern-day Colombia, Peru, and Chile, began domesticating guinea pigs as early as 5000 BC. These animals, known regionally as “cuy,” were raised for food and played a role in cultural practices. Archaeological findings, such as guinea pig remains from around 8000 BC in Peru and northern Chile, suggest their early consumption and use in rituals.