Andean mountain cavy explained

The Andean mountain cavy (Microcavia niata) is a species of rodent in the family Caviidae. It is found in Bolivia, Chile and Peru.

Feeding

The Andean mountain cavy's diet consists of herbs typically of the genus Eleocharis, Distichlis, Verbena, and Deyeuxia, which are common in bog areas, which suggest that this species of Microcavia only live in bog areas.^[1]

Characteristics

The Andean mountain cavy is usually seen with fur described as pale and soft, with yellow undertones. The dorsal hairs are multicoloured with a grey base, a dark grey middle and yellow tip. The back hairs are measured around 16-18mm and the animals cheeks, throat and belly are white with a grey base.^[2]

Notes and References

1. Marquet, P., Contreras, L., Silva, S., Torres-Mura, J., & Bozinovic, F. (1993). Natural History of Microcavia niata in the High Andean Zone of Northern Chile. Journal of Mammalogy, 74(1), 136-140. doi:10.2307/1381912
2. Zeballos, H., Par, A., Pino, K., Medina, C. E., Cordova, J., & Quispe, R. (n.d.). First record of the Andean-mountain cavy Microcavia niata (Caviidae, Rodentia) from Peru. Gayana (Concepción), 82(1), 85–89. doi: 10.4067/S0717-65382018000100085