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Mara
Mara
Fast-footed and elegant relatives of the guinea pig.
Type: Chordates
Class: Mammals
Order: Rodents
Family: Piggies
Genus: Maras
Species: Mara
General Settings
  • Its habitat is South America.
  • Length-up to 70 cm.
  • Weight-up to 16 kg.
  • It eats grass and roots of various plants, as well as berries, fruits, leaves and young tree bark.
  • Life expectancy-up to 10 years.

Mara used to be sometimes called the Patagonian hare. Of course, this term should not be used now, since these are completely different units.


Social behavior


They live in pairs, forming groups that can number up to 15 individuals. During the day, the Maras eat together, at night they hide in secluded corners, where they spend the night alone. In case of danger, the animals warn each other.


Reproduction


Each year, the female gives birth to 1-3 cubs. The weight of newborns is 500-700 grams. Babies are born well developed, with open eyes. Within a day after birth, the cub can move.


Species and people


Mara is hunted for meat and fur. In the wild, they avoid humans. Patagonian hares are also kept as pets. The animals are easily tamed, reproduce well and are unpretentious in maintenance.


Interesting Facts


Thanks to its muscular legs, the mara can reach speed up to 30 km/h.

Females of the society give birth to babies near the lair of the dominant pair. As a result, a "kindergarten" is formed, which lives in one burrow, and mothers regularly come to feed their young with milk.

Current status in wildlife
  • Not
    evaluated
    NE
  • Data
    deficient
    DD
  • Data
    deficient
    lc
  • near
    threatened
    NT
  • vulnerable
    vu
  • endangered
    en
  • critically
    endangered
    cr
  • extinct
    in the wild
    ew
  • Extinct
    ex
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