The dry plains of the southern tip of South America are where the ever so interesting Mara has made its geographic home. The Mara weighing anywhere from 20-35 pounds and as long as 29 inches looks like a hybrid mix of an antelope and a hare. The Mara is an interesting herbivore that is diurnal and can run at quick speeds to its dug up burrows to avoid prey. The Mara is a very caring and loving animal to its kin, as they nurse them and generally stay in packs to avoid predators. The Maras can often be considered masters of disguise as they choose to stay in areas that consist of a lot of brush, as they could use this to their advantage during an escape. Maras generally lives anywhere from eight to ten years in captivity and chooses to roam free in the large dusty plains. The Maras are the only creature within the sub family of Dolichotinae, as they are sometimes considered the larger relatives of guinea pigs. Maras generally have one to three offspring during labor which occurs roughly every three months as they cannot produce large amounts of offspring. These animals are generally monogamous however, they also practice communal breeding. The female who is the caretaker, protects the children, while the father of the litter will generally follow ensuring safety for its young.
Maras are agile and graceful to escape predators, but unfortunately are no match for human hunters and trappers. Maras have had a long history of dealing with humans, as they have even gone extinct completely in certain areas around Argentina due to their plush and unique skin that is used for various items. Things such as rugs and bed spreads were often what these animals would have to be killed for, as now they are protected, however, Maras are in great danger, as they have recently been moved to the near threatened list. In the past, these animals were as common as other rodents and now the Maras are headed down a path of extinction unless someone takes a stand.
Maras peacefully grazing in a closed environment
Maras socializing and using social intimidation to steal food
