Fauna
Mammal

Red-rumped Agouti

Dasyprocta leporina

Also known as Golden-rumped Agouti, Orange-rumped Agouti, Brazilian Agouti

Red-rumped agoutis forage across the Neotropical forest floor, relying on acute hearing and swift bounding leaps to evade predators. As vital ecosystem engineers, they use powerful chisel-like teeth to gnaw through rock-hard seed pods, burying surplus nuts across wide territories and unintentionally regenerating tropical canopy trees. Monogamous pairs defend stable territories year-round, communicating through soft grunts and thumping their hind feet to warn companions of approaching danger.

DiurnalFrugivoreRainforest
Red-rumped Agouti reference1 / 7
(c) Fábio Olmos, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Fábio Olmos · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyBrazil Nuts, Palm Fruits, Fallen Figs
Predators
  • Jaguar
  • Ocelot
  • Boa Constrictor
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, deforestation, and hunting for bushmeat
HabitatsLowland rainforests, gallery forests, secondary scrub, and plantation borders
Life span8–12 years in the wild (up to 18 years in captivity)
Classification
  1. OrderRodentia
  2. FamilyDasyproctidae
  3. GenusDasyprocta
  4. SpeciesDasyprocta leporina
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Equipped with powerful incisors capable of severe bites if trapped; observe quietly from a distance.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting Movement: Watch low along shaded trail edges early in the morning when individuals actively forage.
  • Listen for Cracking: Follow the sharp gnawing sound of rodent teeth grinding through tough palm nuts on the forest floor.
  • Keep Quiet: Move softly, as these skittish rodents bolt instantly at loud snaps or sudden silhouettes.
Related species
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