Chacoan Mara (Dolichotis salinicola) lives in grasslands and savannas across South America. It feeds on grass and leaves. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Chacoan Mara
- In 2020 researchers with the American Society of Mammalogists examined the two mara species and reported clear morphological and genetic distinctions. They concluded that these differences were large enough to resurrect the previously synonymised genus Pediolagus for the Chacoan mara. The authors argued that recognising a separate genus would better reflect the evolutionary split between the two maras, highlighting the taxonomic significance of those findings.
- Despite the 2020 proposal, major taxonomic bodies have retained the Chacoan mara within Dolichotis. Both the American Society of Mammalogists and the IUCN continue to list the species under its traditional genus, meaning its official classification has not changed. A later 2021 study even suggested that re-including Pediolagus in Dolichotis would avoid confusion with fossil species, reinforcing the decision to keep the current nomenclature.
- The Chacoan mara inhabits the South American Chaco, a dry thorny forest and grassland region that stretches across Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia. Within this arid landscape the animals construct underground burrows where they rest during the night, providing shelter from temperature extremes. They are social in small family units, typically forming groups of up to four individuals that move together while foraging.
- During the dry season the Chacoan mara selects a varied diet of forbs, grasses, succulents and even tree material, taking advantage of whatever vegetation is available. When the rains arrive, its feeding focus shifts primarily to grasses, though it still incorporates annual forbs that sprout in the wetter months.
Sources
Every fact above was checked against these pages, and kept only where one of them states it.
At a glance
RangeSouth America
HabitatGrasslands and savannas
DietGrass and leaves
About the Chacoan Mara
In the arid expanses of the Chaco, a large and gentle soul roams, the Chacoan Mara, its powerful hind legs propelling it with effortless ease across the dusty terrain, its large ears twitching with every subtle sound. As it moves, its soft brown coat blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, allowing it to vanish and reappear with an air of quiet mystery. With its unique blend of rabbit-like agility and deer-like gentleness, the Chacoan Mara is a remarkable creature, well adapted to the harsh yet beautiful world it inhabits.
Hear the Chacoan Mara, and 4,400+ more
Real recorded sounds, 11 nature games and a free Daily 5, 1v1 quiz duels, conservation wins and a safe Kids mode. Free on Feravox.
