Patagonian Mara
Dolichotis patagonum · Mammal, rodent
Meet them at our Fort Lauderdale cafe
- Native range
- The open grasslands and scrublands of Argentina.
- Size
- A long legged rodent that looks like a small deer crossed with a rabbit, typically 15 to 35 pounds.
- Lifespan
- Commonly around 10 years or more in human care.
- Conservation
- IUCN Near Threatened, pressured by habitat loss and competition with introduced grazers.
Little Learners Corner
A mara looks like a bunny on stilts, and mara couples stay best friends for their whole lives.
Say it like a scientist: dol-ih-KOH-tiss pat-uh-GO-num
Where They Live
Dry, open country where long sight lines matter. Maras rest near burrows and graze in the open, always watching.
What They Eat
Herbivore. Grasses and low shrubs.
How They Live
Maras are among the most faithfully monogamous mammals known. Pairs bond for life, the male standing guard while his mate feeds, and multiple pairs may share a communal nursery burrow for their young.
Patagonian Maras as Pets?
Maras are skittish, fast, open country animals that need space and their bonded partner. They are a joy to observe and a poor fit for any living room.
Fun Facts
A mara can bounce on all fours like a pogo stick, a move called stotting, and sprint at highway merge speeds in short bursts.
Mated pairs move through life in tandem, rarely more than a few steps apart.
Though they resemble tiny deer, their closest famous relative is the guinea pig.
Capy Quiz: Prove It
What is special about mara relationships?
Keep exploring: Nine Banded Armadillo came before this, Ferret is next, or head back to the full Animal Encyclopedia.
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