Dasyprocta fuliginosa Wagler, 1832

Common Name and Coat Coloration

This species, commonly known as the black agouti, has an overall black coat grizzled with white, and a white throat.

Adult Weight

Adult black agoutis weigh between 3.5 and 6 kg, which equals 7.7 to 13.2 lb.

Northwestern Amazon Distribution

The black agouti is distributed in the northwestern Amazon, including southern Venezuela, eastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, western Brazil, and northeastern Peru.

Disjunct Population

It also has a separate disjunct population in the Magdalena River Valley of northern Colombia.

General Habitat Types

It inhabits forests, thick brush, savannas, and cultivated areas.

Peruvian Distribution Range

In Peru, it is restricted to the Amazonian region, where it occurs throughout all parts of the low selva zone and in many parts of the high selva zone.

Altitudinal Range

It can be found at altitudes of 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) and above.

Proximity to Water

Black agoutis live close to water, and are found on the banks of all types of streams.

Female Breeding Pattern

Female black agoutis can breed year-round, and are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they experience more than one estrus period in a single year.

Estrus Cycle Lengths

A single estrus period lasts 24 hours, while the full estrous cycle lasts between 30 and 34 days.

Gestation and Litter Size

The average gestation period is 104 days, and females typically produce two newborns per litter.