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Mara / Patagonian Hare

Dolichotis patagonum

Mara / Patagonian Hare

Dolichotis patagonum

Hare or antelope?
The Latin genus name for the mara (Dolichotis) means "long-eared", and in Slovenian they are sometimes called pampas hares. Besides their long ears, they share other similarities with hares: a short tail and rather long legs. Their legs are not at all typical of rodents — they are narrow and long, with high knees, and the feet are narrow, hoof-like in shape. It is no coincidence that this shape is reminiscent of antelopes' legs, since maras are also fast runners, well adapted to the open pampas environment.

They are neither antelopes nor hares. They are relatives of "guinea pigs".

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