Mara (mammal)

Lore & Background

Maras have stocky bodies, three sharp-clawed digits on the hind feet, and four digits on the fore feet. They have been described as resembling long-legged rabbits and, while standing, can resemble a small ungulate. Patagonian maras can run at speeds up to 29 km/h (18 mph). The Patagonian species can weigh over 11 kg (24 lb) in adulthood, with average weights of 8.3 kg (18 lb) for males and 7.75 kg (17.1 lb) for females. The Chacoan mara is much smaller, weighing around 1 to 3 kg (2.2 to 6.6 lb). Most maras have brown heads and bodies, dark (almost black) rumps with a white fringe, and white bellies.

Reader's Guide

Maras are notable as large, social rodents adapted to open habitats in South America. They exhibit a variety of gaits—ambling, hopping, galloping, or bouncing on all fours—and can leap up to 6 ft (1.8 m). They mate for life and use a crèche system, where one pair of adults watches over all young in the group; if danger is spotted, the young rush into a burrow while adults run to escape. The Patagonian mara is often kept in zoos or as pets, known as 'Patagonian cavies' or 'Patagonian hares,' and can be social with humans if raised from a young age, though wild individuals avoid people. Maras may even shift from diurnal to nocturnal habits to avoid social interaction. A 2020 study by the American Society of Mammalogists found significant differences between the two extant species, leading to the resurrection of the genus Pediolagus for the Chacoan mara, though traditionally both were placed in Dolichotis.

Did You Know?

• Maras have three sharp-clawed digits on the hind feet and four on the fore feet.
• Patagonian maras can run at speeds up to 29 km/h (18 mph).
• Mara young can start grazing within 24 hours of birth.
• Maras may become nocturnal simply to avoid social interaction with humans.