The Patagonian mara is a rodent that defies every expectation of its kind

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Resembling a long-legged rabbit or a miniature ungulate, the mara is a rodent that challenges conventional biology. These social creatures mate for life, utilize a communal crèche system for their young, and can leap six feet into the air. Discover the strange, adaptive world of these unique South American mammals.

Maras belong to the family Caviidae, making them large relatives of the common guinea pig. While they are primarily found in the Patagonian steppes of Argentina, their range extends into Paraguay and other parts of South America. The group consists of two extant species: the Patagonian mara and the Chacoan mara. Although both were traditionally classified under the genus Dolichotis, a 2020 study by the American Society of Mammalogists suggested that the Chacoan mara is distinct enough to warrant its own genus, Pediolagus.

Physically, maras are built for speed and agility. The Patagonian mara, which can weigh over 11 kg in adulthood, is capable of running at speeds reaching 29 km/h. Their movement is remarkably varied; they can amble, gallop, or hop like rabbits, and they possess the impressive ability to leap up to 1.8 meters. Their appearance is equally distinctive, characterized by brown bodies, dark rumps with white fringes, and white bellies. The Chacoan species is significantly smaller, typically weighing between 1 and 3 kg.

The social structure of the mara is particularly fascinating. They are monogamous, mating for life, and employ a unique crèche system to protect their offspring. In this arrangement, a single pair of adults monitors all the young in the group. If a threat is detected, the young retreat into underground burrows, while the adults rely on their speed to escape. This behavior is complemented by their adaptability; while they are naturally diurnal, they may shift to nocturnal habits to avoid human interaction. Though they are often kept as pets or in zoos, they remain elusive and cautious when encountered in the wild.

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