![]() This understudied group of rodents offers excellent opportunities to provide insights into the influence of ecological conditions on behavior such as social systems. In future studies the use of molecular techniques and controlled, experimental manipulations can increase our understanding of intraspecific variation in caviomorph social systems. ![]() In general, social organization in caviomorphs fits predictions of resource-based models however, most studies have been purely observational, involving small numbers of animals over short time periods and reporting qualitative rather than quantitative levels of ecological correlates. Mating systems generally reflect the ability of males to control access to females, which may depend on population density or food distribution. Changes in group size typically correlate with changes in resource availability, particularly food. Spatial patterns vary in response to a diverse array of factors, including predation, food availability, population density, and soil characteristics. This large group of New World hystricognath rodents occupies a diverse array of habitats thus, members of the same species potentially exhibit different social systems in response to different ecological conditions. In this review we focus on reports documenting intraspecific variation in spacing systems, group size, and mating systems of caviomorphs. Although mammals from temperate North America and Eurasia have provided many insights into this relationship, rodents from the Neotropics and temperate South America have largely been ignored. OffspringĪgoutis are important in the diets of several carnivorous animals like ocelot, pumas and even large snakes.Intraspecific variation in social systems is widely recognized across many taxa, and specific models, including polygamy potential, resource defense, and resource dispersion, have been developed to explain the relationship between ecological variation and social organization. Although sleeping and foraging is done separately. Monogamous, a male and female will bond permanently and share a territoy. ![]() Usually solitary and territorial agoutis occasionally are seen in small groups especially around high food sources. Marking their home range with chemical signals is very important. Like many prey animals they are always on alert to avoid danger. BehaviorĪgoutis have a plethora of sounds, grunts, squeals, or even hind foot stamping to communicate distress or alarm. These high jumping animals will forage mostly durring the day to accumulate food resources for the night. These animals are important seed disperses. Other seeds, fruits, roots and leaves make up the rest of their diet. When food is abundant, agoutis will bury Brazil nuts, and dig them up later. Ecology Habitatįorested areas also thick brush, savannahs or agricultural areas with water access. Physical CharacteristicsĪgouti are prey and they are considered saltatorial (adapted to high jumps up to 6 feet), this allows them to be extremely swift and conceal themselves quickly if they suspect danger. Agoutis scientific name “Dasyprocta” means “hairy rump.” Agoutis are longer and have a thinner frame, and only weigh 1/3 of a paca. They are relatives but are in different family groups. These animals are found in tropical parts of the New World. There are 11 different species of agouti. Members of the rodent family, agoutis look like a guinea pig only larger! They have coarse glossy fur that is reddish brown.
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