![]() ![]() On average, Red-rumped Agoutis can live from 15 to 20 years, both in the wild and captivity. Adult Agoutis range in size from 3 to 5.9 kg (6 to 13 lb) and measure 49 to 64 cm (19 to 25 in) in length with the females being slightly larger. They can even be used to break the notoriously tough husk of the Brazil nut. These incisors are made up of multiple layers of twisted enamel and are among the strongest in the animal kingdom. The Red-rumped Agouti possesses very large front incisors, which grow continuously throughout their lifetime. As their name implies, the Red-rumped Agouti is distinguishable from other member of the same family by its reddish coloured rump and orange to brown coloured underside. They have hoof like claws that allow them to run quickly through the forest floor. Unlike most members of the rodent family, agoutis walk on their toes, rather than flatfooted. Resembling a large guinea pig, Agoutis are covered in long, coarse hairs that expel an oily, and stinky substance used to repel water. As long as there is sufficient cover for them to hide in, they seem to survive well even in disturbed habitats.The Red-rumped Agouti, a member of the rodent family, is native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Local populations are often hunted extensively by humans but the overall population appears to be relatively stable. This species is listed as Least Concern by IUCN. Both males and females invest energy in helping raise young. Their gestation period is up to 120 days and litters consist of 1 – 3 young. They often travel and scavenge together to maintain a better lookout for predators. These diurnal rodents are monogamous and live in pairs or family groups. ![]() Predators include jaguars, ocelots, snakes and raptors. Like some other mammals, they also communicate with body posture and distinguish territory through scent marking. They have a range of alarm or distress calls which include grunts, squeals, and hind foot stamping. Some species of trees depend heavily on agoutis for seed dispersal. Agoutis are important seed dispersers due to their habit of burying stores of food throughout their territories. They will also store food for times of scarcity. They are herbivores, feeding on fruits, nuts, seeds, leaves, and shoots. Red-rumped agoutis are terrestrial and found in rainforests and secondary forests in northern South America in Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, and Trinidad and Tobago. Like all rodents, agoutis have long incisors that grow throughout their lifetime, but their incisors are notably stronger than those of other rodents. Agoutis have short tails, long legs relative to their body size, and sharp, hoof-like claws on their toes, allowing them to run quickly throughout the underbrush of the forest floor. They weigh between 6 ½ and 13 pounds and reach up to 2 feet in length. Red-rumped agoutis get their name from the reddish fur that covers their backside. Red-rumped agoutis are able to run within an hour of being born.There are 13 different species of agouti and their scientific name “Dasyprocta” means “fuzzy butt.”.They will follow troops of monkeys through the forest and eat fruits that they drop.They are important seed dispersers in their community and one of the only animals that can crack the tough shell of the Brazil nut.Our red-rumped agoutis can be found in the Fisher Family Children’s Zoo/Exploration Zone.
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