Agouti

(Dasyprocta leporina)

Live: Central and South America

Habitat: Tropical forest, grassy river banks, dense thickets and open grassland

Diet: Stalks, leaves, fruit, roots and nuts from a variety of plants

Gestation: 120 days, 2 young born

Longevity: Up to 20 years in captivity

Status: Lower risk

General: Agoutis are the size of a rabbit.  Agoutis sit on their hind legs to eat, holding the food in their fore feet.  They have five front and three rear toes. Agoutis are terrestrial, and can move quickly (trotting, walking or bounding), as well as jump at least 1.5m high.

Agoutis may bury excess food, which is an important seed dispersal role in the forest. Sexual maturity is around 6 months. At that time the parents start to push them away so they go and find territories of their own.