Dasyproctidae Archives

Dasyproctidae - Acuchis, Agoutis

There are 13 species in this family. They are large rodents found in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

The species in this family have long, thin legs; their rear legs are longer than their front legs. They have four toes on their front legs and three toes on their rear legs. Each of their toes has a hoof-like claw.

They have small, rounded ears; large heads; and big eyes. They vary in color from dark brown to golden brown. Their undersides are usually lighter than their uppersides.

They are herbivores and live in burrows. They are usually solitary, but sometimes gather in small groups.

Azara's Agouti
(Dasyprocta azarae)

Azara's agouti is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. IUCN Redlist Status: Date Deficient
Coiban Agouti
(Dasyprocta coibae)

The Coiban agouti is found on Coiba Island in Panama. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
Black Agouti
(Dasyprocta fuliginosa)

The black agouti is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Red-Rumped Agouti
(Dasyprocta leporina)

The red-rumped agouti is found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Mexican Agouti
(Dasyprocta mexicana)

The Mexican agouti is native to Mexico. It has been introduced to Cuba. IUCN Redlist Status: Critically Endangered
Central American Agouti
(Dasyprocta punctata)

The Central American agouti is found in Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, and Venezuela. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Roatan Island Agouti
(Dasyprocta ruatanica)

The Roatan Island agouti is found on Roatan Island in Honduras. IUCN Redlist Status: Endangered
Green Acouchi
(Myoprocta pratti)

The green acouchi is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern