|
|
|
Mara - 'Bouncing' Rodent
 |
|
| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
The Mara is the world’s second largest rodent(The Capybara - also resident of South America- is the largest). They are found in central and southern Argentina in arid grassy areas. They are about 75cm from head to tail and weigh up to 16kg. They are also one of the few monogamous species of mammal.
The strangest thing about them, however, is that they hop – on all fours. The first time I saw one do it I got a real thrill when the first one I saw ‘bounced’ off at speed.
They fill a similar ecological niche to antelope in africa.
The Valdez Peninsula, where this was taken, is a 'hot-spot' for South American wildlife. On the same day I saw guanaco, rhea, caraca, South American Sealions, Southern Elephant Seals and Southern Right Whales.
This is a scanned and cropped slide. |
gjoess, Adanac has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes. |
|
|
| Discussions |
| None | | You must be logged in to start a discussion. |
|
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 155 W: 0 N: 62]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(712)