The term (common) agouti designates several rodent species of the genus Dasyprocta that inhabit areas of Middle America, the West Indies, and northern South America. They are related to guinea pigs and look quite similar, but have longer legs. The species vary in color from tawny to dark brown with lighter underparts. Their bodies are covered with coarse hair which is raised when alarmed. They are about 20 inches (51 cm) in length, with short, hairless tails.
Confusingly, the related pacas were placed by some authorities in a genus called Agouti, though Cuniculus has priority and is the correct term (Woods and Kilpatrick, 2005).
The term (common) agouti designates several rodent species of the genus Dasyprocta that inhabit areas of Middle America, the West Indies, and northern South America. They are related to guinea pigs and look quite similar, but have longer legs. The species vary in color from tawny to dark brown with lighter underparts. Their bodies are covered with coarse hair which is raised when alarmed. They are about 20 inches (51 cm) in length, with short, hairless tails.
Confusingly, the related pacas were placed by some authorities in a genus called Agouti, though Cuniculus has priority and is the correct term (Woods and Kilpatrick, 2005).