AnimalWeb

Agouti

Phylum:
Sub-Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Species:

Chordata
Vertebrata
Mammalia
Rodentia
Dasyproctidae
Agouti

Genus: Dasyprocta Agoutis are rodents that look a lot like long-legged Guinea Pigs. Several species are found in Central and South America. They are mainly vegetarian, and like many other rodents, hoard food in small stores buried near landmarks.

The Agouti has many enemies. It prefers to make home in a safe and secure shallow burrows, however, it prefers to escape its enemies by running away, often heading for the nearest river (the Agouti is a good swimmer).

The Agouti’s slender build gives it great agility, and it can leap about 20 ft. (6 m) from a standing start. This little animal has become well adapted for running with its long legs and hoof-like claws. GENUS: Dasyprocta