agouti

Agouti is a common name for several species of medium-sized rodents in the genus Dasyprocta, family Dasyproctidae. They are native to the tropical forests and woodlands of Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. They are diurnal or crepuscular and are known for their agile movement and long hind legs.

They have slender bodies, pointed snouts, short tails, and fur colors that vary with species but are generally brownish to gray on the back with lighter underparts. They live in thickets and forest edges, construct shallow nests, and forage on the ground, often visiting fruiting trees to cache seeds.

Diet consists mainly of fruits, seeds, nuts, and occasionally insects or foliage. They are important seed dispersers and cache seeds, some of which are forgotten and germinate later.

Reproduction details vary by species and region; breeding can occur year-round in favorable climates. Gestation lasts several weeks and litters typically include a few young.

The term agouti also refers to a hair coloration pattern in which each hair has bands of pigment, producing a salt-and-pepper effect. This pattern is present in many mammals, including domestic animals; in genetics, the agouti locus influences pigment distribution.

Several agouti species face habitat loss and fragmentation; some are common and of least concern, while others have more restricted ranges and higher threat levels.