Azara's Agouti
Dasyprocta azarae
Here at Banham Zoo
Our four Azara's agoutis live in the Tropical House at Banham Zoo. These larger rodents are herbivores, feeding on fruits and vegetables. Surprisingly, agoutis are excellent swimmers and are often found near bodies of water in their native South America. However, in the wild, they spend much of their time hiding from predators. They even have a unique alarm call to warn each other of danger.
Did you know? Azara's agoutis are the only mammals capable of opening a Brazil nut, thanks to their incredibly sharp teeth!
Where Do I Live?
Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina
The Azara's agouti is found in the rainforests of Brazil, eastern Paraguay and Argentina.
What Do I Eat?
Azara's agouti feeds mainly on fruit and nuts. It has powerful front teeth to break into hard nut shells such as that of the Brazil nut.
How Do I Breed?
Pairs of agouti are usually monogamous (stay together for life) and females give birth to one or two young, after a pregnancy of around three months.
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Data Deficient (DD)
Insufficient data to assess extinction risk.
Azara's agouti are currently classified as Data Deficient. They are thought to be at risk in the wild but there is not enough scientific information available at the moment to classify them properly.
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
Azara's Agouti
located?
Our
Azara's Agouti
is located in our
Explorer Zone
, map reference
6
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
