Mara (mammal)
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- For other uses, see Mara.
| Mara Fossil range: Pleistocene - Recent |
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 A male mara
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D. patagonum, Patagonian Mara |
The maras (Dolichotis) are a genus of the cavy family. They are the sole representatives of the subfamily Dolichotinae. These large relatives of guinea pigs are common in the Patagonian steppes of Argentina but live in other areas of South America as well such as Paraguay. Maras are the fourth largest rodent in the world, after capybaras, Porcupines, and beavers, reaching about 45 cm (18 in) in height.
There are two species of maras recognised, the Patagonian Mara (Dolichotis patagonum), and the Chacoan Mara (Dolichotis salinicola). They are known as the pampas hare.
Patagonian Maras are often kept in zoos or as pets and is also known as "Patagonian cavy" or "Patagonian hare". They can be quite social with humans if raised with human interaction from a young age, though in the wild they avoid humans. Maras may even change their habits from coming out in day to becoming nocturnal, simply to avoid social interaction.
Maras mate for life, and may have from 1 to 3 offspring each year. Mara babies are very well developed, and can start grazing within 24 hours.
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[edit] Physical description & movement
Maras have stocky bodies, three sharp-clawed digits on the hind feet, and four digits of the forefeet. Maras have been described as resembling long-legged rabbits. Patagonian Maras can run at speeds up to 29 km (18 mi) per hour. Maras can weigh over 11 kg (25 lb) in adulthood.
Most Maras have a brown head and body, a dark almost black rump with a white fringe around the base, and a white belly.
Maras may walk normally, hop in a rabbit-like fashion, gallop, or bounce on all fours. They have been known to leap up to six feet (about 2 meters).
[edit] Gallery
 Patagonian Cavy at the Wildlife Ranch in San Antonio, TX. |
 A pair of Patagonian Cavies at the Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne. |
 Closeup picture of a Patagonian Cavy. |
 Mara at Tropical Wings |
[edit] Further reading & references
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/SmallMammals/fact-mara.cfm
http://www.blackpineanimalpark.com/Animals/patagonian_cavy.htm
http://fridayanimal.com/18-260805.php
http://www.hoglezoo.org/animals/view.php?id=146
http://sparky.twmuseums.org.uk/details/index.php?name=01_506.jpg&id=TWCMS:2001.506&q=&t=1&c=&parent=random&querystr=&img=0
[edit] See also
