The Bedford Estates, London
Overview
Found in South America, Agouti are from the rodent family. They are well equipped to avoid predators, with long legs and hoof like claws that enable them to become good swimmers. This is also aided by their sharp hearing and good sense of smell, that prepares an agouti when a predator is near.
All about us
| Distribution: | South Asia from India and Sri Lanka east to western Indonesia and south China. |
|---|---|
| Habitat: | Tropical and temperate forest |
| Height: | 45cm to 57cm in length |
| Weight: | 500g to 700g |
| Lifespan: | Wild unknown, approximately 15 years in captivity |
| Threats: | Habitat loss and deforestation |
About us
Scientific name: Dasyprocta azarae
Some species of Agouti are endangered. As mentioned previously, their habitat is South America, which is becoming more urbanised, resulting in less forest environment. Agouti can also be hunted for food but disease and pollutants affect their population and habitat too. Overall their population is high and they are classed as a pest in South America as they are often found in farmers’ fields enjoying their crops.
Azara's Agouti facts
