Patagonian Cavy

Patagonian Cavy Dolichotis patagonum

What’s up, doc? Cavys may look like rabbits but they’re actually giant rodents!

ORIGIN:
Argentina

HABITAT:
Deserts and shrublands

HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
18 lbs
Length: 2-3 ft

DIET:
Grass, leaves, seeds and fruit

PREDATORS:
Mountain lions, foxes and birds of prey

NATURAL DEFENSES:
Speed

REPRODUCTION:
100-day gestation

THREATS:
Competition from domestic animals, human hunting and introduced disease

LIFE EXPECTANCY:
14 yrs in human care

What is the conservation status of the Patagonian cavy?

Least threatened	Endangered
Near threatened	Vulnerable

GALLERY

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