The Black Agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) is a smaller version of the capybara, but does not live in water.
Five species of agoutis are known from Amazonia. They roam the forest floor during the day, alone
(sometimes in pairs), looking for fallen fruits and nuts. They disperse seeds of certain tree species, such
as the brazil nut tree. The outer covering of these nuts is so hard that only the agouti can gnaw through
it. Squirrel-like, the agouti buries the nuts and forgets about some of them. These now have a chance to
germinate. This rodent is avidly sought by hunters but it seems to have a low population density throughout
but much of Amazonia.
|
|