Mammals
Southern Mountain Cavy
Microcavia australis
Climbing into low shrubs both to feed and to watch for danger, a southern mountain cavy lives in social burrow colonies across the arid scrubland of Patagonia and central Argentina, a wild relative of the familiar domestic guinea pig.
Overview
The southern mountain cavy, Microcavia australis, is a Least Concern mammal native to desert, grassland, and mountain habitat across arid Patagonia and central Argentina. Its close kinship with the domestic guinea pig, its highly social burrow-colony lifestyle, and its habit of climbing into shrubs make it one of the more behaviourally distinctive small rodents found anywhere in South America.
A wild cousin with a very different life
Though closely related to one of the world’s most familiar domestic pets, the southern mountain cavy lives an entirely wild existence, forming social burrow colonies across arid terrain and climbing into shrubs to watch for predators that its domesticated relatives never have to consider.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable arid scrubland and desert habitat throughout Patagonia and central Argentina.
Southern Mountain Cavy: common questions
Is the southern mountain cavy related to the guinea pig?
Yes, this species is a wild relative of the domestic guinea pig, sharing a similar general body shape though adapted to arid, open habitat rather than domestication.
Does the southern mountain cavy live alone or in groups?
This species is highly social, living in colonies that share complex burrow systems dug into sandy or loose soil across its arid range.
Why does the southern mountain cavy climb into shrubs?
This species readily climbs into low shrubs both to reach food and to gain a better vantage point for spotting approaching predators across open terrain.
Is the southern mountain cavy active at night?
No, this species is active mainly during the day, unlike some other small rodents that favour nocturnal activity to avoid predators.