Mammal
Patagonian Mara
Dolichotis patagonumAlso known as Patagonian Cavy, Patagonian Hare, Dilaby
Patagonian maras resemble long-legged hares with deer-like proportions, uniquely adapted for swift running across open southern South American scrublands. Pairs form lifelong monogamous bonds, traveling together with the male constantly guarding the female while she grazes on grasses and succulents. Multiple pairs deposit their young in a shared communal burrow, returning daily to nurse their respective offspring among the safety of the group.
DiurnalHerbivoreMonogamous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyGrasses, herbs, succulents, and fallen seeds
Predators
- Puma
- Culpeo Fox
- Chacoan Eagle
ThreatsHabitat loss to agriculture, competition with European hares, and hunting
HabitatsArid shrublands, desert scrub, and open grassland plains
Life span10–15 years
Classification
- OrderRodentia
- FamilyCaviidae
- GenusDolichotis
- SpeciesDolichotis patagonum
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a defensive bite if cornered; observe from a respectful distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a large rodent with long legs, dark gray coat, reddish head sides, and a distinct white rump patch.
- Support conservation
- Stay on established trails and keep dogs leashed to prevent flushing breeding pairs from sensitive nesting grounds.
Responsible observation
- Daylight Viewing: Search open scrubland during warm daytime hours when pairs sit together basking.
- Communal Burrows: Keep a clear distance from den entrances to avoid disrupting nursing sessions.
- Quiet Approach: Move slowly because maras startle easily and flee at high speeds.
Competitor Jean-Jacques Boujot from Paris, France / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Predator National Park Service / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative (c) Gonzalo Roget, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Relative "Capybara" by lorentey is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
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