Please note: Winter Illuminations is still scheduled to go ahead this evening but we are closely monitoring the weather. Keep an eye on our socials for the latest update. The Yorkshire Hive, Polar Bear Santas Grotto and Yorkshire Wildlife Park remain open during the day but some areas of the park may be temporarily closed. For safety reasons the Christmas Fair will remain shut.

Mara

Status

Data deficient
Size

Up to 15 kg
Threat

Habitat loss
Distribution

Argentina
Diet

Herbivore

Seek out one of the most unusual-looking rodents in the world, the Patagonian Mara!

Patagonian Mara have long ears resembling a hare and a body resembling that of a small deer. Well-adapted to running, they have very powerful hind limbs, you will often see them hopping and racing around the scrublands of South America.

Mara are the world’s fourth largest rodent and can sprint up to almost 40 kph!

Mara are strictly monogamous and mate for life, typically having 1-3 offspring a year. Mara babies are very well developed when they are born usually grazing within the first 24 hours of their life.