Scientific name:
Dolichotinae

Natural spread:
South America

the Maras or pampas-hares is pampas-living in South American rodents. There are two types: the (or this) actual or big Mara (Dolichotis patagonum) and the little one Mara (Dolichotis salinicola).

Shape The big Mara has a head-torso-length of 70-75 cm, the tail measures at most 5 cm, and the weight amounts 8-9 kg. The little one Mara is until 30 cm smaller. From all guinea pig-good rodents, the Maras adapted themselves to the current movement-manner the farthest. The legs are long and narrow, the toes of the rear-feet are molded like small hooves. The hind legs are longer than the front-legs. The Maras remind standing of small ungulates; if they sit, so one believes on the first gaze to have a hare before itself. The head with the long ears looks actually very hare-nicely from the side. This impression and the hoppelnde walk awarded also the names "Pampas-hare" the Maras.

Way of life Maras can run fast. they actually make use of this ability only with danger, however. they live vegetarian from plants in its meager habitat. As shelter, they scratch deep Erdhöhlen for itself. Sometimes, they take over also already existing Erdbaue, according to Z. B. from the Viscacha, that it then widen accordingly. In these caves, the females bear in the rule two young, that immediately is very independent.

Endangering The continuance of the big Mara doesn't take anything known from, while over the continuance of the small Mara is.