The Central American Agouti
Some local animals from Mexico are very well known, like the jaguar and the Golden Eagle. Others are not. The country is classified as ‘megadiverse’, one of only eighteen countries on Earth to boast that title, and there seems to be virtually no limit to the unique and interesting flora you’ll find on a nature walk or in the protected areas of one of Mexico’s biosphere reserves. While there are great deals of endangered or threatened species in the country, one little fellow you might see scurry across the fields of the Yucatan Peninsula is doing just fine: it’s the Central American Agouti.
The agouti species belong to the rodent order, but is closely related to guinea pigs rather than rats and mice. The Central American agouti has a range extending from southern Mexico down into Ecuador, Columbia, and Venezuela. They are usually between sixteen and 24 inches long – much larger than a rat, to be sure (and typically weigh between three and nine pounds)! The agouti is slender, with a long snout, short ears, and hoof-like claws. Coat colors range from brown and black to pale orange, and can even include white and yellow in some breeds.
The fur of agoutis is coarse and glossy, and will stand on end when it is frightened. They groom themselves with their forefeet, which can be used like combs; grooming other agoutis is a method of communication and affection. The Central American agouti is monogamous, and will mate for life; they breed throughout the year, and usually live until they are about thirteen years old.
Agoutis are built to run on the ground, and they do this very well as they are not climbers – despite mostly eating fruit. Their little ears can hear fruit falling from trees, even when those trees are quite far away. If they hear the call, the agouti can walk, gallop, or trot on their toes and can even jump up to six feet in the air if necessary. If you’re at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa, don’t be afraid if you see one of these creatures scurrying across your nature trail. They’re just looking for some seeds or vegetables to eat. Luckily, the forests of Cancun and the Yucatan peninsula are becoming more and more protected, so they’ll hopefully have lots to choose from.






