Patagonian Cavy
Basic Information:
Scientific Name: Dolichotis patagonum
Habitat: Patagonian cavies are native to the sandy plains and shrubland of Argentina.
Diet: Patagonian cavies typically graze for grasses, cacti, and fruit.
Size: 2 to 2.5 feet tall / 2.3 to 2.5 feet long
Weight: 6 to 30 pounds
Lifespan: 14 years
Distribution Map:
I.U.C.N. Conservation Status:
What does this mean?
Near Threatened – a species that is determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) to be declining in population and may meet the criteria for a threatened status in the near future.
Our Patagonian Cavies:
Han (Male) – Born June 16, 2016
Indy (Male) – Born June 9, 2018
About Patagonian Cavies:
Also called the Patagonian mara or Patagonian hare, Patagonian cavies are a small species of mammal found ONLY in southern and central Argentina. They typically reside in arid desert and scrubland habitats. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss, increased competition for food with domestic sheep and the European hare, Patagonian cavies are now considered near threatened as their population have started to decline.
Did You Know?!
- Although they are often mistaken as being rabbits or deer, Patagonian cavies are in the same family as the guinea pig.
- Patagonian cavies are the third largest rodent in the world behind the capybara and beaver.
- Patagonian cavies are capable of jumping 6 feet upward when scared.
- Patagonian cavies have quite a variety of noises that they make including grunts and screams.
- Since Patagonian cavies are so docile in nature, they have become popular pets and are known to be leashed and even “potty trained.”