The Patagonian mara and the capybara are both fascinating South American rodents, but they are quite different in appearance, behaviour, and habitat. While both species share some similarities, such as being herbivores and highly social animals, they have unique characteristics that set them apart.
This article explores the differences and similarities between the Patagonian mara and the capybara, covering aspects such as physical features, habitat, diet, behaviour, and suitability as pets.
What Is a Patagonian Mara?
The Patagonian mara (Dolichotis patagonum) is a large rodent native to Argentina. It is part of the cavy family (Caviidae) and is closely related to guinea pigs. Despite its rodent classification, the Patagonian mara resembles a small deer or a hare due to its long legs, large ears, and unique body shape.
Key Characteristics of a Patagonian Mara
Size: 60–75 cm (24–30 inches) in length
Weight: 7–16 kg (15–35 lbs)
Appearance: Resembles a mix between a hare and a small antelope
Lifespan: 10–14 years in captivity
Habitat: Dry grasslands and scrublands in Argentina
Patagonian maras are built for speed and are excellent runners, often escaping predators with quick, bounding movements similar to a deer.
What Is a Capybara?
The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the world’s largest rodent. It is a semi-aquatic mammal found in South America, mainly in wetland areas. Capybaras are part of the same family as guinea pigs and maras but have distinct physical and behavioural traits that make them unique.
Key Characteristics of a Capybara
Size: 106–134 cm (42–53 inches) in length
Weight: 35–66 kg (77–146 lbs)
Appearance: Stocky, barrel-shaped body with short legs
Lifespan: 8–12 years in captivity
Habitat: Swamps, rivers, and wetlands across South America
Capybaras are excellent swimmers and spend much of their time in the water, using their webbed feet to move efficiently.
Patagonian Mara vs. Capybara: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | Patagonian Mara | Capybara |
Scientific Name | Dolichotis patagonum | Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris |
Family | Caviidae (Cavy family) | Caviidae (Cavy family) |
Size | 60–75 cm (24–30 inches) | 106–134 cm (42–53 inches) |
Weight | 7–16 kg (15–35 lbs) | 35–66 kg (77–146 lbs) |
Body Shape | Slender, long legs, deer-like | Stocky, barrel-shaped |
Habitat | Dry grasslands and deserts | Wetlands, swamps, and rivers |
Social Structure | Lives in pairs or small groups | Highly social, lives in large groups |
Activity Level | Active and fast runners | Slow-moving but excellent swimmers |
Diet | Grass, shrubs, and fruits | Grass, aquatic plants, and bark |
Lifespan | 10–14 years | 8–12 years |
Domestication | Occasionally kept as pets | Sometimes kept as exotic pets |
Habitat and Natural Environment
Patagonian Mara Habitat
Patagonian maras are native to Argentina’s grasslands (such as The Pampas) and scrublands, where they thrive in dry, arid regions. They prefer open spaces with low vegetation, which allows them to spot predators easily. Unlike capybaras, maras do not rely on water for survival and are more adapted to dry climates.
Capybara Habitat
Capybaras live in wetland environments, including swamps, marshes, and riverbanks. They are highly dependent on water and spend much of their time swimming or resting near aquatic areas. Their semi-aquatic nature helps them escape predators and regulate body temperature.
Social Behaviour: Which Is More Social?
Patagonian Mara Social Structure
Patagonian maras are monogamous, meaning they form strong pair bonds with a single mate for life. They live in small family groups, often consisting of a mated pair and their offspring. While they can tolerate other maras nearby, they are not as social as capybaras.
Capybara Social Structure
Capybaras are highly social animals, living in groups of 10 to 40 individuals. Their strong social bonds make them one of the most communal rodents in the world. Capybaras engage in mutual grooming, vocal communication, and group defence against predators.
This extreme social nature makes it difficult to keep a capybara as a solitary pet, as they can become stressed and lonely without companions.
Physical Adaptations: Runners vs. Swimmers
Patagonian Mara Adaptations
Long legs for running at high speeds
Sharp claws for digging burrows
Large ears for detecting predators from a distance
Maras are designed for life on land, using their speed and agility to evade predators. They can leap great distances and use burrows for shelter.
Capybara Adaptations
Webbed feet for swimming
Eyes, ears, and nostrils on top of the head for staying alert in water
Thick fur that dries quickly after swimming
Capybaras are semi-aquatic, meaning they are just as comfortable in water as they are on land. Their ability to stay submerged for minutes at a time helps them avoid predators.
Diet: What Do They Eat?
Patagonian Mara Diet
Patagonian maras are herbivores, eating mainly grasses, leaves, shrubs, and fruits. They require a high-fibre diet and are known for grazing throughout the day.
Capybara Diet
Capybaras have a more water-based diet, consuming aquatic plants, grasses, bark, and fruits. Like rabbits, capybaras engage in coprophagy, meaning they eat their own feces to help digest plant materials more efficiently.
Patagonian Mara vs. Capybara as Pets
Both the Patagonian mara and the capybara are sometimes kept as exotic pets. However, each species comes with its own challenges.
Challenges of Owning a Patagonian Mara
Requires a large outdoor enclosure with space to run
Needs a high-fibre diet and constant grazing
May be shy or skittish around humans
Needs a burrowing area for shelter
Challenges of Owning a Capybara
Needs a pool or pond for swimming
Requires at least one companion due to its social nature
Legality issues – many places ban capybara ownership
Can be destructive if not given enough space
While both animals can form bonds with humans, capybaras require more care due to their social needs and aquatic habitat.
Final Thoughts
The Patagonian mara and the capybara may belong to the same rodent family, but they have very different lifestyles. Maras are fast runners adapted for dry grasslands, while capybaras are semi-aquatic rodents that rely on water for survival.
If you’re considering either animal as a pet, capybaras require more specialized care, while Patagonian maras are better suited for open, dry environments. However, both species have unique needs and challenges, making them difficult to keep outside of their natural habitats.
Comments