Red-rumped Agouti
Dasyprocta leporina
Class
Mammalia
Order
Rodentia
Family
Dasyproctidae
Red-rumped Agouti
Range
Central and South America
Size
Length: 16 - 24 in
Height: About 1 ft
Weight: 3 - 6 lbs
Habitat
Tropical and dry forests
Young
Up to 4
Gestation: 3 months
Diet
Fallen fruits, nuts, and vegetation
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Red-rumped agoutis eat Brazil nuts.
They are the only mammals within their native range able to open the husk of a Brazil nut, which makes them vital to the region's ecosystem.
Seed Dispersers
The agouti will sit on its hind legs to eat, holding the food in its fore feet. When food is plentiful they bury excess nuts and fruits for use when food is scarce. This behavior makes them important seed dispersers for many tree species.
Young
Agoutis give birth to up to four young. Young can see when they are born, and can move quickly enough to evade predators just one hour after birth.
Status
Although this species is hunted locally, the population is not facing any major threats.
How You Can Help
Educate and Raise Awareness. The Red-rumped Agouti is not as well-known as other rainforest animals like jaguars or monkeys. By sharing information about their importance, you can help people understand why they are so valuable to the ecosystem.
Our Animals
Axl Born April 25, 2019
Waffles Born February 11, 2015
