Guinea Pig Cavia porcellus
Guinea pigs are no longer found in the wild. Fossil records show they have been around as early as 9,000 BC, but domestication began around 5,000 BC because of their popularity as pets and food.
ORIGIN:
South America
HABITAT:
Grasslands
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
1-3 lbs
Length: 8-10 in
DIET:
Fruits and vegetables
PREDATORS:
Ferrets, coyotes, wolves and birds of prey
NATURAL DEFENSES:
Immobility or scatter response
REPRODUCTION:
1-8 offspring per litter
THREATS:
None (extinct in the wild)
LIFE EXPECTANCY:
Up to 14 yrs in human care
Our animal information came from the following resources…
