I will provide actual pictures of our actual animal in the next update of "Meet The Animals!" post. Along with her back story. Our new girl is named Paddy, and is an absolute sweetheart. She loves to suckle on your fingers, even though she is fully grown. She is very affectionate and gentle, loving any and all attention that she gets. She is also quite talkative in her quest for love.
The Pantagonian Mara is, unfortunately, listed as Near Threatened on the ICUN Red List. While this isn't super serious yet, it can be. Their population is declining as well, which isn't good. These guys are largely found in Argentina and a few countries around it.
They are the second largest rodent in the world, with only the capybara being larger. Size wise, they are about the size of a small dog. By small dog, I mean Border Collie small. While they live together in mated pairs, with the male following the female and protecting her from other males. The female won't really turn away other males unless she isn't receptive at the moment, so all of the work is up to the male.
These guys will breed up to three times a year, with up to three offspring. The offspring are pretty well developed already when born, and are raised in a communal den. Only one parent at a time will come to this den to care for the young while the rest search for food. While there, the parent will only care for her young.
After about 3 months of this, the young are weaned. After another three months, the young are mature and living on their own. They will make unique sounds and hop like a bunny or gallop like a horse depending on the situation.
These guys are popular pets, though I'm not sure why. They are big for rodents, noisy, and chew on everything. They require space to exercise, and a varied diet. Overall, not a good pet people.
Sources:
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/6785/0
- http://www.lpzoo.org/animals/factsheet/patagonian-cavy
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