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Name || Agouti

Scientific Name || Dasyprocta leporina

Conservation Status || Least concern

Habitat || Agoutis can be found throughout the forest in South America, but most often in areas of good undergrowth cover, around large tree falls, and near streams, rivers and swamps. Sometimes they inhabit gardens and plantations. They tend to dig burrows if the soil allows.

Unique Features || The agouti is a medium sized rodent, and is bigger than the largest guinea pig, with longer, thinner legs. Like all cavies, they have a largish head and a plump body. Their short, thick hair lies flat and shiny. The ears are nearly hairless and of medium small size. Social Behaviour || In the wild pairs only come together to breed. At high densities, the range of the male and female may overlap, giving the appearance of living in pairs. Unlike most solitary rodents, however, captive males are quite tolerant and friendly toward the young. Diet || Agoutis are strictly herbivorous and in nature live mostly on fallen fruits and nuts. They are attracted to the sound of ripe fruits hitting the ground. Reproduction || The young are born in a nest of leaves, roots and hair, after a three-month gestation. Twins are usual. The young are precocial (born furred, with eyesight and able to run within an hour of birth). Adults may breed year round. Life Cycle || One captive agouti lived almost 18 years. Relatives || Related to the guinea pig. Interesting Facts : Agoutis are normally active during the day, but become nocturnal if disturbed or molested. When food is plentiful they bury excess nuts and fruits for use when food is scarce. This behaviour makes them important seed dispersers for many tree species, as some of the seeds are always forgotten. They usually sit erect to eat, holding the food in their hands. Agoutis are terrestrial and cursorial, which means ground dwelling and built for running with speed. They walk, trot or gallop on their toes, and can jump up more than six feet from a standing position. Breeding Programme || Our Agoutis are part of an international managed breeding programme. Environmental Conditions || Agoutis are preyed upon by larger predators, cat and dog species, coatis, and humans who traditionally hunt them for food, they are said to be quite tasty! At Wellington Zoo || At Wellington Zoo we have four female agouti and six females.

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