Agouti Dasyprocta sp.

The Agouti is a rodent related to the much larger Capybara and much smaller Guinea Pig. Like them, it is native to Latin America. A ground-dwelling, fast-running rodent, it has characteristic shiny fur. Agoutis feed mainly on fallen fruit, performing a useful role in dispersing the seeds. Most pair for life. There are several species. Shown above is one of the more common, the CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI, Dasyprocta punctata, which ranges from southern Mexico to northern Argentina.

AZARA'S AGOUTI, Dasyprocta azarae, above, is native to southern Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina. It leads a solitary life, meeting only to mate; the young leave the burrows as soon as they can fend for themselves.

More Azara's Agoutis above. Agoutis, with exceptionally sharp teeth and strong jaws, are said to be able to open Brazil nuts - one of the few mammals able to do so. They have orange teeth with iron in the enamel. They also bury food for later, helping propagation.

The RED-RUMPED AGOUTI, Dasyprocta leporina, above, is native to northeastern South America (French Guiana, Guyana, Surinam, Trinidad/Tobago and part of Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia).

The Red-rumped Agouti inhabits forest or thick scrub. In addition to seed dispersal by eating, storing food for times of scarcity helps propagation of nuts and fruit. They pair for life.