Patagonian Maraマーラ
Dolichotis patagonumLC— Least Concern
The Patagonian mara is a large, long-legged rodent endemic to Argentina, resembling a cross between a rabbit and a small deer. It forms lifelong monogamous pairs that often share communal breeding warrens with dozens of other pairs, taking turns guarding the young. A fast runner capable of speeds up to 45 km/h, it is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN though it has declined in parts of its range.
Patagonian Mara (reference photo)
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Species Data
- Classification
- Rodentia / Caviidae Source
- Size
- Body length 69–75 cm
- Weight
- 8–16 kg
- Diet
- Herbivore Herbivorous, feeding mainly on monocots (in the Monte Desert, 70% monocots and 30% dicots)
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Distribution
- Endemic to Argentina, ranging from roughly 28° to 50°S and including Patagonia. Source
- Sources
- ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
Did You Know?
- Capable of running at speeds up to 45 km/h, making it one of the fastest rodents when fleeing predators. Source
- Pairs are monogamous and remain together for life, with a partner typically replaced only after the other's death. Source
- Multiple pairs share communal breeding warrens, with as many as 29 pairs using the same den site, taking turns standing guard over the young. Source
Where to See This Species
Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 13
Adventure WorldWakayamaOpened in 1978
Ishikawa DoubutsuenIshikawaAbout 60 minutes from the Kanazawa-Morimoto Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway, about 40 minutes from the Kanazawa-Nishi Interchange, and about 20 minutes from the Komatsu Interchange.
Izu Shaboten ZooShizuokaOpened in 1959
Utsunomiya DoubutsuenTochigiAbout 5 minutes from the Utsunomiya IC on the Tohoku Expressway; free parking for 1,000 cars.
Okazakishihigashi Kouen DoubutsuenAichiAbout 1 km toward Toyota from the Okazaki IC on the Tomei Expressway.
Kiryuugaoka DoubutsuenGunmaIf driving, set your car navigation to "Kiryugaoka Amusement Park" (Kiryugaoka Yuenchi) rather than "Kiryugaoka Zoo" to reach the parking lot (searching by the zoo name may give an incorrect route).
Saitamakenkodomodoubutsu Shizen KouenSaitamaOpened in 1980
Hirakawa ZooKagoshimaAbout a 20-minute walk from Goino Station on the JR Ibusuki-Makurazaki Line, or take a bus bound for Taniyama / Dobutsuen from Fukuhira Nokyo-mae to the last stop.
Nagasaki Bio ParkNagasakiOpened in 1980
Naganoshichausuyama DoubutsuenNaganoThe nearest station is JR Shinonoi Station.
Tennoji ZooOsakaOpened in 1915
Fuji Safari ParkShizuokaOpened in 1980
Wakayamajou Kouen DoubutsuenWakayamaOpened in 1919
Former facilities
North Safari SapporoHokkaidoOpened in 2005
Closed: 2025-09-30 Official Site
Temporarily closed facilities
Satsukiyama DAYZOOOsakaOpened in 1957
Temporarily closed Official Site
Source links to official sites, official YouTube channels, and news aggregators such as Zoo Ring. Visit the publisher for the full item.
Conservation Story
Conservation Status
Least Concern (LC)
Sources
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- Support Saitamakenkodomodoubutsu Shizen Kouen
- Support Hirakawa Zoo
- Support Nagasaki Bio Park
- Support Naganoshichausuyama Doubutsuen
- Support Tennoji Zoo
- Support Fuji Safari Park
- Support Wakayamajou Kouen Doubutsuen
FAQ
- Is the Patagonian mara related to rabbits?
- No. Despite its rabbit-like appearance and long legs, the mara is a rodent in the cavy family, more closely related to guinea pigs and capybaras. Source
- Do Patagonian maras mate for life?
- Yes. Maras form monogamous pairs that stay together for life, with a new partner typically only found after one mate dies. Source
- How fast can a Patagonian mara run?
- It can reach speeds of about 45 km/h, an important defense given how few places it has to hide on the open Patagonian steppe. Source
- How many operating facilities are registered here?
- Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 13 Source
Books & gear
Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org