ExploreMammals

Patagonian Mara

Dolichotis patagonum

The Patagonian Mara is a cute, rabbit-like animal with long legs and big ears. They love to hop around in the grasslands of South America and are very social, often seen in pairs or small groups.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Patagonian Mara is a large rodent, resembling a mix between a rabbit and a small deer. It has long, slender legs, large ears, and a short tail. Its fur is greyish-brown on top, with a white belly and distinctive orange patches on its flanks.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilyCaviidaeGenusDolichotis
Patagonian Mara
furry trait badgesocial trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Patagonian Mara

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby maras are born with open eyes and can run within hours!

Mara pairs often share nurseries, taking turns guarding their young!

Maras often stand on their hind legs to get a better view of their surroundings!

They are monogamous, meaning they mate for life, which is rare for rodents!

Special abilities

Ability

Swift Sprinter

Patagonian Maras have powerful hind legs that allow them to run at high speeds, helping them escape from dangers quickly.

Ability

Leaping Lookout

Patagonian Maras can make impressive high leaps that help them spot predators over tall vegetation in their flat habitat.

Ability

Digging Den-Makers

Patagonian Maras can dig burrows or use abandoned ones, which helps them create safe shelters for raising their young.

Ability

Nutrient Recyclers

Patagonian Maras re-ingest their own droppings to extract maximum nutrients, making sure they don't waste any food energy.

Measurements & details

Length
69-75 cm
Weight
8-16 kg
Lifespan
7-10 years
Top Speed
45 km/h
Litter Size
1-3
Gestation
90-100 days

Diet & Feeding

They are herbivores that eat mostly grasses and other plant material from the dry plains.

Primary Foods

  • Grasses
  • Herbs
  • Leaves
  • Cacti
  • Seeds
  • Fruits

Foraging Method

  • Grazing

Ecological connections

eaten by

Puma

Puma concolor

A primary predator in its natural range.

eaten by

South American Grey Fox

Lycalopex griseus

Often preys on mara young and smaller individuals.

eats

Ichu Grass

Stipa ichu

A common grass grazed by maras for sustenance.

eats

Prickly Pear Cactus

Opuntia ficus-indica

Consumes its pads and fruits for water and nutrients.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch from a distance and don't try to touch wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Patagonian Mara?

69-75 cm

How much does Patagonian Mara weigh?

8-16 kg

How long does Patagonian Mara live?

7-10 years

How fast can Patagonian Mara move?

45 km/h

What does Patagonian Mara eat?

They are herbivores that eat mostly grasses and other plant material from the dry plains.

Where is Patagonian Mara usually found?

Grasslands

How does Patagonian Mara hunt?

Grazing

How many babies does Patagonian Mara usually have?

1-3

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Where to spot

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