Azara's agouti (Dasyprocta azarae) is a South American agouti species from the family Dasyproctidae. Found in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, it is named after Spanish naturalist Félix de Azara. The population is unknown and may have gone locally extinct in some areas due to hunting; it is listed as vulnerable in Argentina.
Despite being active during the day, Azara's agoutis are quite difficult to study, as they are naturally extremely shy and will flee and hide when humans approach. Their shyness may be related to their solitary lifestyles, but may be because they are heavily preyed upon by many carnivorous species, including humans. However, if bred in captivity, they can become trusting animals. Azara's agoutis will let out little barks when alarmed. These animals are sometimes known as "jungle gardeners", as they often bury nuts and seeds and forget where they put them, therefore helping new plants to grow.
The Azara’s Agouti is native to Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina in south America and is found in tropical rainforests and tropical dry forests.
Generally herbivorous, they eat seeds, nuts, fruits, shoots and leaves.
Up to 20 years.
Data Deficient.
They are often referred to as ‘jungle gardeners’ as they bury nuts and seeds to come back to later only to forget where they are and therefore sowing the seeds for new things to grow. These extremely shy creatures are active during the day and usually live alone. They make their homes by digging burrows under rocks and amongst tree roots.
