Patagonian mara
Taxonomy
- Phylum: Chordata – phylum of chordates
- Class: Mammalia – class of mammals
- Order: Rodentia – order of rodents
- Family: Caviidae – cavy family
- Species: Patagonian mara Dolichotis patagonum
Conservation
Distribution and Habitat
Patagonian maras live in Argentina in dry, open grasslands, steppes, and deserts. They dig burrows in habitats with low grass cover.
Adaptations
Patagonian maras are medium-sized rodents, with a body length of 60 to 80 cm and an average weight of around 8 kg. Males are larger than females. Compared to other members of the cavy family, maras have longer ears and shorter tails, which they keep close to their bodies.
Their body shape is similar to that of a hare, allowing them to run very fast—up to 70 km/h!
Their fur is a mix of reddish, grey, and brown tones, with a white underside.
Diet
Maras are herbivores that adapt well to the available food in their environment. They mainly eat grasses, especially plants from the Pappophorum, Poa, and Panicum genera. They also feed on various cacti, which are likely an important source of water.
Maras practice a form of re-digestion similar to ruminants. Their food is first fermented by bacteria in the cecum, forming special feces that they eat again to fully digest and absorb the nutrients.
Breeding
Patagonian maras are monogamous animals that form lifelong pairs. The male closely guards his mate, staying near her at all times and regularly marking her with his scent (using urine and gland secretions). Both males and females reach sexual maturity at around 8 to 9 months of age.
The breeding season lasts from August to December. Maras dig burrows, known as breeding warrens, where females give birth and raise their young. Males do not care for the offspring but protect the territory during this time.
Conservation and Threats
Patagonian maras are mainly threatened by habitat loss, often due to agricultural development, and hunting for their fur. They are also affected by invasive species, such as European hares, which compete with maras for food.
Their range includes 12 protected areas, and the species is listed on Argentina’s Red List.
References:
Baldi, R. (2007). Breeding success of the endemic mara Dolichotis patagonum in relation to habitat selection: Conservation implications. Journal of Arid Environments, 68(1), 9-19.
Roach, N. . 2016. Dolichotis patagonum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T6785A22190337. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T6785A22190337.en.
AnimalDiversityWeb. Patagonian mara. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Dolichotis_patagonum/#6BA267E3-4B23-40F4-9946-9AABE758A57C
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