CAVY

Patagonian cavy (Dolichotis patagona) any of several South American rodents belonging to the family Caviidae (order Rodentia), which also includes the domestic guinea pig. Cavies, except for the Patagonian and salt desert cavies (Dolichotis), are small, stout animals resembling gray or brown guinea pigs. They are 25 to 30 centimetres (10 to 12 inches) long and have short ears, short legs, and no visible tail. They are placed in four genera: Cavia (true cavies); Kerodon (rock cavy); and Galea and Microcavia (mountain, marsh, and pampas cavies). The Patagonian cavy, or mara (Dolichotis patagona), and the salt desert cavy (D. salinicola) are long-legged, rather rabbit-like, hopping animals with relatively large ears, large eyes, short tails, and, unlike other cavies, hooflike nails on the hind toes. The Patagonian cavy is large, attaining a length of 75 cm and a weight of as much as 16 kilograms (35 pounds). The salt desert cavy is smaller, about 45 cm long. Cavies are social animals. They live in burrows, sometimes undermining the ground so completely that it collapses when walked on, and they feed on grass, leaves, and other available vegetation. They are found in various habitats, including plains, marshes, and rocky areas. Most are nocturnal; the Patagonian and salt desert cavies are diurnal and spend much time basking in the sun. True cavies breed twice yearly, the female bearing one to four young after about two months' gestation. The spotted cavy (see paca) is a rodent of an entirely different family, Dasyproctidae.