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Mara – Patagonian Cavy


Mara – Patagonian Cavy
Photo Information
Copyright: Janice Dunn (Janice) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3315 W: 148 N: 6113] (18648)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-03-15
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon EOS 30d, Canon 70-300mm DO IS USM
Exposure: f/7.1, 1/320 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-05-21 0:31
Viewed: 1198
Points: 28
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
B>Mara – Patagonian Cavy
Dolichotis patagonum

Mara, or Patagonian cavies, live in burrows on the plains of the South American Pampas. They look a bit odd, but are actually closely related to guinea pigs. They are herbivorous, feeding on grasses and any green plant.

The maras (Dolichotis) are a genus of the cavy family. They are the sole representatives of the subfamily Dolichotinae. These large relatives of guinea pigs are common in the Patagonian steppes of Argentina but live in other areas of South America as well such as Paraguay.

Maras are the fourth largest rodent in the world, after capybaras, Porcupines, and beavers, reaching about 45 cm (18 in) in height.

Maras mate for life, and may have from 1 to 3 offspring each year. Mara babies are very well developed, and can start grazing within 24 hours.

Physical description & movement:
Maras have stocky bodies, three sharp-clawed digits on the hind feet, and four digits of the forefeet.

Maras have been described as resembling long-legged rabbits.

Patagonian Maras can run at speeds up to 29 km (18 mi) per hour.

Maras can weigh over 11 kg (25 lb) in adulthood.

Most Maras have a brown head and body, a dark almost black rump with a white fringe around the base, and a white belly.

Maras may walk normally, hop in a rabbit-like fashion, gallop, or bounce on all fours. They have been known to leap up to six feet (about 2 meters).

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This Patagonian Cavy lives in the Auckland Zoo.
Miss_Piggy, eqshannon, eng55, maurydv, nglen, pekkavalo1, gannu, Bass has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To vanderschelden: Still lifeJanice 1 06-03 13:57
To Miss_Piggy: RodentJanice 3 05-21 02:36
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Critiques [Translate]

Hallo Janice
Time is little, but I cannot pass without leaving my comment and appreciation for this beautiful photograph. This is the first time I see one of these animals from so close-by, and it is difficult for me to describe what I see. Looking at its head there are certain features that reminds me of a lioness, around the lower part of the face by the chin. The upper part of the face reminds met of a deer. Beautiful portrait with great display of facial details, especially that lovely eyelashes. Kind regards and thanks for sharing.
Anna

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3064 W: 231 N: 6159] (21044)
  • [2008-05-21 1:16]

A very odd looking creature, indeed, Janice.
Kind of half hare and half dog??
He has a very big head relative to his body. : P
Good close-up with excellent details.
TFS. : )

Hello Janice,
excellent portrait,very sharp,nice light,color and composition,
regards,
Nikos.

Hey Janice!
Excellent capture of this animal, almost a portrait!
Very well done!
Goldy

This one surely looks relaxed...if that is how something I have never heard, nor seen relaxes:-) Fine lesson today Janice. I alway seem to be learning something new and perhaps that is why the New is in NEW Zealand...well...a stretch, but a fine image...never the less!
Bob

  • Great 
  • eng55 Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1130 W: 32 N: 1137] (3508)
  • [2008-05-21 8:42]

Hi Janice,
Very nice capture.I liked details,sharpness,thoughtful expression on face,framing a lot.Like 3D!
Thanks for posting.

Bellissimo ritratto, non conoscevo questo animale, ottimo POV, "dolce" la postura, ottima nitidezza, belli e naturali i colori. Grazie e complimenti. Ciao Maurizio

An excellent zoo image. Color, tonality, composition, DOF and technical quality are very good.

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2907 W: 34 N: 8619] (32124)
  • [2008-05-21 12:37]

Hi Janice. This looks a bit like a dog to me i think its the face. . You have captured fine detail and colours. He has small legs for a big animal. well done TFS.
Nick..

Hi Janice,

Great capture of this Patagonian Cavy with good pose and composition, sharp details and nice colours.

TFS

Pekka

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 4 N: 3262] (14691)
  • [2008-05-22 5:25]

Hello Janice, very nice looking creature. Superb shot and nice composition. Thanks for sharng. Gansh

Bonjour Janice
Cette photo est superbe de ce Mara.C'est la première fois que j'en vois un.Belle composition Les couleurs sont très jolies.J'ai apprécié ta description.
bravo et merci...JP

  • Great 
  • Bass Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 113 W: 0 N: 126] (502)
  • [2008-05-23 20:15]

Hi Janice,
when I saw this pic i thought "Maras at NZ??" but after reading your note... i got it! jajaja
is such a beautiful animal...lovely to see in its habitat, at mesetas.
Good shot! good close up, POV and details. Light is good too.
It would be nice to see the hole body in the pic instead of this "american shot".
Good note also.
compliments!
TFS
have a nice weekend.
brenda

These are excellent models, Janice. They don't move a lot:-).
Well done
TFS
Annick

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