GUINEA PIGS AND THEIR RELATIVES

In South America the cavy still has some wild living relatives, like the "Rock-Moko", the "Weasel-Guinea pig", the "wild guinea pig" and the "dwarf guinea pig".

Also the Capybara and the Mara are related to the guinea pig.

The Capybara is worlds the biggest rodent. Male Animals can weight up to 140 lbs. Capybaras have optimal adapted to their live in the water. Their eyes, ears and nostrils are placed on top of it's massive head, so they can see, hear and smell while swimming. Between their toes they have webbing. Those animals are active from dawn till dusk and are exclusively vegetarian.

Area in which they can be found: From Panama to the north-east of Argentina.

The Mara also belongs to the family of the guinea pig. In it's physics and behavior this species has adapted to living in the open grasslands and the dry bush land of South America. With their long legs Mara's are good runners and jumpers. During the daytime they cover a large distance for grazing. During the night they rest in earth holes. Mara's do not have a territory. They live in pairs. Only during breeding the build colonies with other couples.

More distant relations are also given with all other rodents, like beaver, hamster, mouse and porcupine.