Dasyprocta punctata

(Gray, 1842)

Vernacular names
English : Central American agouti
French : Agouti ponctué

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Rodentia
Family : Dasyproctidae
Notes : 18 subspecies known. Their status is still debated.

Identification
Large agouti growing to 60 cm in length for a weight up to 4.2 kg. Large head with elongated nose. Legs are darker than rest of body. Coloration orange-olive-brown with dark speckling. Eastern specimens are darker.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in Central and northern South America, from south Mexico (south Chiapas and Yucatan) to north Ecuador and west Venezuela. Lives in primary and secondary forests, gardens, often near water, to 2400 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix III
Status : The species has a large range and occurs in some protected areas. Its taxonomic status is disputed and it could be split in the future.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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