Rock cavy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rock cavy |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Kerodon
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| Species: |
rupestris
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The rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris) is a small animal that looks a bit like a guinea pig. It is also known as the mocó in Brazil. These cavies are found only in eastern Brazil. Some have also been taken to the island of Fernando de Noronha in the Atlantic Ocean.
People in Brazil call the rock cavy mocó. In the Xukuru language of Pernambuco, Brazil, it is called koriko pexerumen.
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What is a Rock Cavy?
The rock cavy is a type of rodent. It can weigh up to 1 kilogram (about 2.2 pounds). Like other cavy species, they have very short tails or no tails at all. Their backs are grey-brown, and their bellies are light brown.
Rock cavies look and act a lot like rock hyraxes from Africa. This is an example of convergent evolution. It means two different animals develop similar traits because they live in similar environments.
These animals are herbivores. This means they only eat plants. They mostly munch on seeds and leaves from the small plants in their home areas. They enjoy soft leaves and certain climbing plants.
Where Do Rock Cavies Live?
Rock cavies live in dry, rocky places. These areas usually have low, scrubby plants. They like to stay close to rocky mountainsides and hills.
They are native to eastern Brazil. You can find them from the state of Piauí to Minas Gerais. As mentioned, some have also been moved to the island of Fernando de Noronha. This island is off the eastern coast of Brazil.
Rock Cavy Family Tree
Rock cavies belong to the animal group called Rodentia. This group includes all rodents. They are part of the Caviidae family. This family includes animals like guinea pigs.
Recently, rock cavies were placed in a new subgroup called Hydrochoerinae. This group also includes the large capybaras. It also includes the acrobatic cavy, which lives in rainforests.
How Rock Cavies Behave
Rock cavies usually hide in cracks and holes in rocks. You might see them resting at any time of day. But they are most active during dawn and dusk. This is called being crepuscular.
They are good climbers. This helps them reach leaves, seeds, and fruits that grow higher up.
Rock cavies live in groups. These groups stay around dens that are protected by rocks. Each group has a main male, called an alpha male. There are also several females. The males protect their rock pile shelters from other adult males. Females choose a rock pile, and by doing so, they choose the male who guards it as their mate.
Studies suggest that rock cavies have very good eyesight. This might help them recognize things and learn about their surroundings. It could also help them remember where food is. This strong visual memory might be one reason why they live in large groups.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Female rock cavies weigh about 700 to 800 grams (about 1.5 to 1.7 pounds). They usually give birth to one or two babies at a time. But they can have several litters of babies each year. Pregnancy lasts about 75 days. Newborn cavies weigh about 90 grams (about 3 ounces).
Parental Care
Young rock cavies can start eating solid food when they are only 3 days old. But they continue to drink their mother's milk for up to 7 weeks. The mother's milk is very rich in energy. This might be because there isn't much water in their dry environment.
Both male and female rock cavies help care for their young. When both parents are around, the females spend more time with the babies. If the male is not there, the females spend even more time caring for their young. Females who raise babies alone can be more protective. Babies raised by single mothers also tend to gain more weight while nursing.
Threats and Protection
Rock cavies live in several protected areas. They also reproduce quickly. Because of this, they are currently listed as "least concern" by the IUCN Red List. This means they are not in immediate danger of disappearing.
However, local people often hunt them for food. This has caused their numbers to drop by 30% in the last 10 years. Their natural habitat is also shrinking due to deforestation.
Scientists are working to breed rock cavies in captivity. This could provide a food source for people without harming wild populations.
