Patagonian Cavies

Closely related to chinchillas, degus, and capybaras, the Patagonian cavy is the second largest rodent in the world. When full grown, they stand up to 2 feet tall at the shoulders, can be as much as 3 feet from nose to tail, and weigh 25 pounds or more!

Also known as mara, Patagonian cavies are found in the dry grasslands of the Argentina foothills, in an area known as Patagonia. Here they live in burrows abandoned by other animals, or small caves and other naturally occurring shelters.

Extremely social animals, they live in large groups of monogamous pairs. Their young are kept in communal burrows and all the females in a group share baby care duties.

Patagonian cavies are also rather talkative, with their most common vocalization being similar to those of guinea pigs, a close relative. They eat mostly grasses and other plants. Patagonian cavies have been known to live up to ten years in captivity. However, 5-7 years is more common.

Further Reading

Patagonian Cavies 101

Housing, feeding & caring for your pet

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