The Patagonian mara (Dolichotis patagonum) is a large rodent endemic to Patagonia in southern Argentina, resembling a combination of a hare and a deer due to its long legs and robust body. It has gray fur with a prominent white patch on its rump, separated from the rest of its back by a dark line, long ears, and an almost hairless short tail.
Habits
It is a diurnal animal that lives in monogamous pairs that mark and maintain mobile territories; it feeds predominantly on grasses and succulent plants in open and arid habitats, spending approximately half of its time feeding and the rest in vigilance or rest.
Reproduction
Gestation lasts approximately 100 days, and in the wild, the female usually gives birth to a single offspring per year; in captivity, up to four generations can occur annually, and the young can walk almost immediately after birth.
Distribution
Found exclusively in Argentina, between latitudes 28°S and 50°S, in the semi-arid regions and open grasslands of Patagonia and the Monte Desert biotope
