Dolichotis salinicola

(Burmeister, 1876)

Vernacular names
English : Chacoan mara
French : Cobaye halophile, Mara du Chaco

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Rodentia
Family : Caviidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a body length of 48 cm for a weight of 2.3 kg. Similar to Patagonian mara but much smaller and with conspicuous white area around eyes. Coloration grey to beige-grey with brownish rump, orange cheeks and white belly.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South America, from southern Bolivia to western Paraguay and north Argentina. Lives in arid chaco, in dry flat thorn scrub areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a fairly big range and remains at least locally common. Local declines because of hunting and habitat loss are noted.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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