Central American agouti (Dasyprocta leporina)

The Central American agouti lives in forests, thickets and savannas from southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America. Its coat can range from golden brown to dark brown. When threatened, it escapes at speed and can leap as high as two metres.

It often follows groups of monkeys and picks up fruit that falls from the trees. Its strong teeth can crack even hard seed shells. It has one pair of incisors in each jaw, and these teeth continue to grow throughout its life. Hard enamel covers the front of each incisor, while the material behind it wears down more quickly. As the agouti gnaws, this uneven wear keeps the cutting edge sharp.

When food is plentiful, the agouti buries seeds to eat later. Seeds it does not retrieve may grow into new plants, giving the animal an important role in forest regeneration.

As it moves along the ground, the agouti remains alert to its surroundings. The sound of falling fruit can lead it to food, while a short, bark-like call may signal danger. It often shelters in hollow fallen trees, among roots or beneath dense vegetation. It is usually found near water.

Agoutis live in pairs and defend their territory. Their young are born well developed, with fur and open eyes, and can run within their first hour of life. When threatened, an agouti raises the long hairs on its rump, making itself appear larger to an attacker.