PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Red-rumped agoutis are 16-25 inches long (including a one-inch tail), and weigh from two to nine pounds. They are rodents and look a bit like huge tailless rats or squirrels. Their hair is coarse and glossy, longest on the rump. In this species, the long hairs on the hind quarters are usually reddish or orange. Ears are small, tail a black naked stub, whiskers black. Most of the fur is grizzled black or brown.

DISTRIBUTION:

These agoutis range through Brazil and the Guineas north of the Amazon and east of the Rio Negro River. South of the Amazon they occur east of the Madeira. They are generally common, but shy and difficult to see in the wild.

HABITAT:

They can be found throughout the forest, but most often in areas of good undergrowth cover, around large tree falls, and near streams, rivers and swamps. Sometimes they inhabit gardens and plantations. They tend to dig burrows if the soil allows.

BEHAVIOR:

Agoutis are normally active during the day, but become nocturnal if disturbed or molested.

When food is plentiful they bury excess nuts and fruits for use when food is scarce. This behavior makes them important seed dispersers for many tree species.

They usually sit erect to eat, holding the food in their hands.

Agoutis are preyed upon by larger predators, cat and dog species, coatis, and humans, who traditionally hunt them for food.

Agoutis are terrestrial and cursorial, which means ground dwelling and built for running with speed. They walk, trot or gallop on their toes, and can jump up more than six feet from a standing position.

DIET:

Agoutis are strictly herbivorous and in nature live mostly on fallen fruits and nuts. They are attracted to the sound of ripe fruits hitting the ground.

Agoutis and the other numerous rodents in South America are the ecological equivalent of African grazing hoofed mammals such as antelope and zebras.

SOUNDS:

They often use an alarm call: a series of low grunts or loud hoarse squeals or barks. Often two individuals call. They may also stamp their hind feet on the ground as an alarm gesture. Agoutis make a noise as they gnaw loudly on hard nuts.

REPRODUCTION and GROWTH:

Agoutis live in monogamous pairs, which travel together. The young are born in a nest of leaves, roots and hair, after a three-month gestation. Twins are usual. The young are precocial (born furred, with eyesight and able to run within an hour of birth). Adults may breed year round.

One captive agouti lived almost 18 years.