Where does the Patagonian mara live?
The Patagonian mara, or Patagonian hare, is a rodent endemic to Argentina, found in open and semi-open habitats, including large parts of Patagonia. It resembles a hare, but it is a cavy, in the guinea pig family. After the capybara and the beaver, it is the third-largest living rodent. It was first described in 1780 by the German zoologist Zimmermann.
What does the Patagonian mara eat?
It is a herbivorous, somewhat rabbit-like animal. It is monogamous, but often breeds in warrens shared by several pairs. Its upright ears and long limbs make it look like a jackrabbit. Its hind limbs, longer and more muscular than its fore limbs, have compressed, hoof-like feet, which makes it resemble a small ungulate when walking.
Is the Patagonian mara endangered?
Yes: the IUCN lists it as Near Threatened. It has a grey back with a white patch on the rump, a white underside and somewhat orange flanks. A typical mara has a head and body length of 69 to 75 cm with a tail of 4 to 5 cm, and weighs 8 to 16 kg.
