Found in countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Brazil, this species is part of the agouti family—rodents that resemble oversized guinea pigs but with longer legs built for running. True to its name, the black agouti has a dark, almost glossy coat, often blackish-brown with subtle golden flecks, giving it a striking appearance compared to the more brightly colored agoutis.

These rodents feed primarily on fruits, nuts, and seeds, especially the large, hard seeds that many smaller animals cannot handle. Instead of eating all the seeds at once, they bury extras in scattered caches underground. Later, when food is scarce, they return to dig them up. But often, forgotten seeds sprout into new trees—making agoutis some of the most important natural seed dispersers in the Amazon.

Behaviorally, black agoutis are shy, solitary animals, usually active during the day but becoming more nocturnal in areas with human disturbance. They are constantly on alert, relying on their speed and agility to escape predators such as jaguars, ocelots, eagles, and snakes. When alarmed, they often give a sharp bark-like sound before bolting into cover. Their strong legs allow them to sprint in sudden bursts, and their keen senses of smell and hearing help them stay aware of danger. Despite their cautious nature, they sometimes play an important role in Indigenous communities, where they are hunted for food, making them both ecologically and culturally significant.

The black agouti’s teeth never stop growing, and they are perfectly suited for gnawing open the toughest nuts and fruits. They have a curious habit of sitting upright on their hind legs, holding food in their front paws like a squirrel. Their “scatter-hoarding” behavior—burying seeds in multiple small caches—means that each agouti is essentially planting a mini-forest over its lifetime.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Brazil

2016

Colombia

2016

Ecuador

2016

Peru

2016

Venezuela

2016