green acouchy
rodent
Also known as: Myoprocta pratti
Quick Summary
The green acouchy (Myoprocta pratti) is a species of rodent native to the Amazon River basin. It resembles small, hoofed mammals found in African and Asian tropical forests.12
Key Characteristics:
- Appearance: The green acouchy has grizzled fur with alternating black and yellow bands, giving it an overall green or olive appearance. Its underparts are pale orange, sometimes with white patches. It has long, slender legs with three-toed hind feet ending in hooflike claws, and a short, pencil-thin tail with white hairs.1
- Size: Acouchys typically weigh between 1 to 1.5 kg (2.2 to 3.3 pounds) and are 30 to 39 cm (12 to 15 inches) long.1
- Habitat: They inhabit mature tropical-lowland rainforests.1
- Diet: Their diet consists of fruit, seeds, and seedlings. They also bury nuts on the forest floor.1
- Behavior: Acouchys are terrestrial and active during the day. They are usually solitary and may use abandoned burrows for shelter. When alarmed, they flee and can emit birdlike whistles.1
The green acouchy is related to agoutis and belongs to the family Dasyproctidae within the rodent suborder Hystricognatha.12
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