Zoolung Animals

Yeongdeungpo

Patagonian Mara

With its large ears, the Patagonian mara looks a bit like a rabbit, though at first glance it might resemble a roe deer or a sika deer. It is the fourth-largest rodent in the world, following the capybara, beaver, and porcupine. It has four toes on its front feet and three on its hind feet, making it a distant relative of guinea pigs and capybaras. Since they are very skittish, speak in whispers and move carefully when you’re around a mara.

Category

Rodents Cricetidae
Habitat

A rocky wasteland, a desert
Diet

Hay, fruits, and vegetables

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Yeongdeungpo

Guardian of Life Gongsil

Species

Large rodents

It belongs to the Caviidae family and is the second-largest rodent among the guinea pig's relatives.

Place of discovery

Patagonia, Argentina

It is found exclusively in the Patagonia region of southern and central Argentina.

Habitat

Dry shrub deserts and grasslands

It is found in dry shrubby deserts (monte), desert grasslands, and open plains.

Diet

Strictly herbivorous

It is a strict herbivore that feeds exclusively on plant matter such as grass, leaves, and shoots.

Action

Diurnal activity and unique gait

It is primarily diurnal and can hop like a rabbit or sprint using its long legs.

Average size

Length: 69–75 cm

It measures between 69 and 75 cm in length and stands about 45 cm tall at the shoulder, making it relatively large.

Married life

monogamy

Among rodents, they are very rare in that they maintain a monogamous relationship with a single mate for life.

Lifespan

7–10 years in the wild, 14 years in captivity

In the wild, they live for about 7 to 10 years, and in captivity, they can live for more than 14 years.