Patagonian Mara
Dolichotis patagonum
![mara Maras in the zoo Hellabrunn.](/fileadmin/_processed_/8/9/csm_mara-tierpark-hellabrunn-amerika-tierlexikon_cf4db733e8.jpg)
- FamilyGuinea pigs (Caviidae)
- Weight7 – 8 kg
- HabitatDeserts, savannahs, grasslands, scrublands
The real Speedy Gonzales
The Patagonian mara has eyes on the side of its head that gives it an almost 360° view. This enables it to keep a lookout for predators such as pumas, Andean jackals and raptors. When fleeing its foe, it can reach an amazing top speed of 70 km/h. Within the group, one of the adults performs sentry duties and gives a signal to the others to hide when danger is sensed.
![Patagonian mara The picture shows a Patagonian Mara. He looks to the left side.](/fileadmin/_processed_/b/5/csm_mara-tierpark-hellabrunn-tierlexikon-ameriak-istock_351bca1084.png)
Under time pressure
Male Patagonian maras have plenty to achieve in a short space of time: the females are only sexually receptive for 30 minutes every 3 – 4 months. In order not to miss this brief time window, they live in monogamous pairs for life. When the pups are born, several pairs bring their young together to form a large communal crèche. The females feed the pups, while the males protect the group.
Every day the Patagonian mara roams large areas in search of its favourite food: the tips of young grass blades.
Distribution
![tierpark-hellabrunn-verbreitungskarte-mara-amerika-englisch.png distribution map mara](/fileadmin/_processed_/e/0/csm_tph-verbreitungskarten-amerika-mara-en-2022_fb99a203ef.png)