The Patagonian Mara (Dolichotis patagonum) is a large rodent mammal in the Caviidae family. It is also known as the Patagonian Hare and the Patagonian Cavy. It is a cavid, related to the Guinea Pig.
The Patagonian Mara forms a monogamous pair. It lives in a den underground with other families of Patagonian Mara. The female has 1-2 live young, called pups.
Like other mammals, the mother feeds milk to her young. The pups stay close to their mother, and become independent after about 13 weeks.
The Patagonian Mara, native to Argentina and parts of Patagonia in South America, looks like a mixture of a hare, a jackrabbit, and a guinea pig. It has long ears and long legs. Its hind (back) legs are longer than its fore (front) legs. Its front feet have four toes and its back feet have three toes. Its tail is short and hairless. It has grey fur with orange-yellowish sides and chin, and a white patch on its rump. It has a white underbelly.
It grows to 69-75 centimetres (27-30 inches) long. Its tail is 4-5 centimetres (2 inches) long.
Location of photographs: Parc Zoologique de Paris in Bois de Vincennes, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM