Agouti

Dasyprocta leporina

RANGE Central and South America

HABITAT Tropical and dry forests

DIET Fallen fruits, nuts, and vegetation

The agouti will sit on its hind legs to eat, holding the food in its fore feet. 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.

Agoutis can can jump up more than six feet from a standing position and can swim well.

Agoutis give birth to up to four young. Young can see when they are born, and can move quickly enough to evade predators just one hour after birth.

Although this species is hunted locally, the population is not facing any major threats.