Scientific name:
Dasyproctidae

Natural spread:
means -, South America

with the Agutis considering one of the Meerschweinchenartigen adapted itself completely at a current movement-manner the body-form. The extremities, that see Agutis, therefore are extended also like high-legged guinea pigs from. The weight is carried more weakly mainly developed by the middle toes, that are lateral, and the thumb is rudimentary. The claws have a hoof-similar form. The tail be it with most types stub-shaped, somewhat longer only with the Acouchi. The biggest representatives of the family are the Pakas (type Agouti).

The actual Agutis (type Dasyprocta), often is held in zoological gardens and is many visitors also as "gold-hares" known. This misleading name refers to the gold-shiny fur of this at the the most frequently held Art, the Goldaguti (Dasyprocta leporina). One will discover also the Mohrenaguti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) and some other types in some zoos.

Physique, qualities The Agutis until almost become 60 cm long and gain a weight of 4 kg. In undisturbed areas, they are day-active. There however, where the human being causes disturbances, they turned into twilight-animals. they are at all very sensitively and shyly in the free nature and grasp the escape by the lowest occasion. In human-care, however, they show an astonishing adaptation-fortune and let itself accustom easily to its keeper.

Nutrition At the food, Agutis sit on the rear-paws and hold on to the feed with both front-paws. Fruits and plant-parts, beside it occasionally also animal food, are preferred by them. In plantations, they can sometimes become damaging.

Reproduction After a pregnancy-duration of approximately 3 months, it was born 2 - 4 kids. they gain a considerably high age of maximum 20 years.

Spread The Agutis living in family-associations are widespread in means and South America's forest-areas.