Physical Description
Maras have stocky bodies, three sharp-clawed digits on the hind feet, and four digits of the forefeet. Maras have been described as resembling long-legged rabbits. Patagonian Maras can run at speeds up to 29 km (18 mi) per hour. Maras can weigh over 11 kg (24 lb) in adulthood.
Most Maras have a brown head and body, a dark almost black rump with a white fringe around the base, and a white belly.
Maras may amble, hop in a rabbit-like fashion, gallop, or bounce on all fours. They have been known to leap up to 6 ft (1.8 m).
Maras mate for life, and may have from 1 to 3 offspring each year. Mara babies are very well developed, and can start grazing within 24 hours. They use a creche system, where one pair of adults keep watch for all the youngsters in the creche. If they spot danger, the young rush below ground into a burrow, and the adults are left to run for it.
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