Question 1

True or false: Patagonian maras can be found throughout South America, from Colombia to Chile.

Accepted Answer

False. They are restricted to the arid steppes and grasslands of central and southern Argentina and Chile.

Question 2

True or false: Patagonian maras are actually a type of large guinea pig.

Accepted Answer

True. They belong to the cavy family, closely related to guinea pigs and capybaras, not rabbits.

Question 3

True or false: Female Patagonian maras typically give birth to litters of 8 to 12 pups.

Accepted Answer

False. They usually have 1 to 3 pups per litter, with well-developed young that can run shortly after birth.

Question 4

True or false: Patagonian maras are excellent climbers and often nest in trees.

Accepted Answer

False. They are terrestrial and prefer open plains; they dig burrows or use existing ones, never climbing trees.

Question 5

True or false: Patagonian maras can reach speeds of up to 45 mph when fleeing predators.

Accepted Answer

True. Yes, these rabbit-like rodents are incredibly fast, using their long legs to sprint across open grasslands.

Question 6

True or false: Patagonian maras hibernate during the cold winter months in the Andes.

Accepted Answer

False. They are active year-round and do not hibernate; they adapt to cold by growing thicker fur.

Question 7

True or false: A group of Patagonian maras is called a 'mob' or 'colony'.

Accepted Answer

True. While 'colony' is common for rodents, 'mob' is also used for maras due to their social grazing herds.

Question 8

True or false: Patagonian maras mate for life and raise their young in shared communal dens.

Accepted Answer

True. They are monogamous and often use warrens dug by other animals, with multiple pairs sharing a den.

Patagonian Mara Trivia Questions