Agouti

Status

Data deficient
Size

Up to 4 kg
Threat

Predation
Distribution

South America
Diet

Herbivore

Named after the Spanish naturalist Félix de Azara, Azara’s Agouti are large rodents found throughout Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.

Azaras Agouti can usually be found scurrying around the forests lowlands of South America.

Agoutis spend a lot of time hiding from predators in the rainforest. If a predator such as a Jaguar approaches they may freeze, make an alarm call or raise the long hairs on their rump to scare the enemy away.

Their diet mainly consists of nuts, fruits and plant material and they are thought to be the only mammal that can open a Brazil nut due to their exceptionally sharp teeth.

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SPECIES

Agoutis are usually solitary and are extremely shy animals. They are fairly good swimmers, and can sometimes be spotted near water.

DID YOU KNOW?

Agouti’s are known as jungle gardeners because they often bury nuts and seeds, then forget where they put them, aiding plants and trees to grow.

BREEDING

Azara’s Agoutis have a gestation period of around 90 days, typically 2-4 young are born in a burrow and will stay with their mother until they can fend for themselves to go and live a solitary lifestyle.