Mammals
Patagonian mara
Dolichotis patagonum
The Patagonian mara is a large rodent with an unusual look, halfway between a hare and a small deer, with long legs built for running. It can reach high speeds and make impressive leaps across the open steppe.
In short
The patagonian mara (Dolichotis patagonum) is a species with IUCN conservation status NT (Near threatened). It lives in grasslands and arid shrublands, active by day. Animals in Black offers a fine-art portrait of it on a black background, available as a print on Hahnemühle paper: request the print.
Habitat & conservation
Where does the patagonian mara live?
It lives in grasslands and arid shrublands, active by day. It forms lifelong monogamous pairs and, in the breeding season, several pairs share large communal dens where the young are raised.
Is the patagonian mara endangered?
The IUCN Red List rates it Near Threatened (NT) with a declining population, due to the conversion of steppe to farmland and pasture, hunting, and competition with livestock and the introduced European hare.
Facts about the patagonian mara
- It is one of the largest rodents in the world.
- It forms lifelong monogamous pairs.
- Several pairs raise their young in communal dens.
Data source: IUCN Red List — Dolichotis patagonum (Near Threatened)
RED List
Conservation status codes
- EX Extinct No individuals survive.
- EW Extinct in the wild Survives only in captivity.
- CR Critically endangered Extremely high risk of extinction.
- EN Endangered Very high risk of extinction.
- VU Vulnerable High risk of extinction.
- NT Near threatened Likely to become threatened soon.
- LC Least concern Low risk of extinction.
- DD Data deficient Not enough data to assess.
- NE Not evaluated Not yet assessed by the IUCN.