Black Agouti

About the Black Agouti

The black agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) is a South American species of agouti from the family Dasyproctidae. It is found in the northwestern Amazon in southern Venezuela, eastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, western Brazil and northeastern Peru. There is also a disjunct population in the Magdalena River Valley of northern Colombia. They are found in forests, thick brush, savannas, and cultivated areas. In Peru, they are confined to the Amazonian region where they are found in all parts of the low selva zone and many parts of the high selva zone. It is found at altitudes of 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) and above. Agoutis live in close proximity to water, being found on the banks of all types of streams.

It is overall black grizzled white, and the throat is white. The black agouti weighs 3.5–6 kg (7.7–13.2 lb). Like other agoutis, the black agouti is diurnal, lives alone or in pairs, and feeds on fruits and nuts. In some areas, they construct burrows among limestone boulders, along river banks, or under the roots of trees.

The female black agouti is capable of breeding year-round. Also, they are considered... Wikipedia →