The agouti (/əˈguːtiː/, ə-GOO-tee) or common agouti is any of several rodent species of the genus Dasyprocta. They are native to Middle America, northern and central South America, and the southern Lesser Antilles. Some species have also been introduced elsewhere in the West Indies.[1] They are related to guinea pigs and look quite similar, but they are larger and have longer legs. The species vary considerably in colour, being brown, reddish, dull orange, greyish, or blackish, but typically with lighter underparts. Their bodies are covered with coarse hair, which is raised when alarmed. They weigh 2.4–6 kg (5.3–13.2 lb) and are 40.5–76 cm (15.9–29.9 in) in length, with short, hairless tails.[2]
The related pacas were placed by some authorities in a genus called Agouti, though Cuniculus has priority and is the correct term.[3]
In West Africa (especially Ivory Coast), the name "agouti" designates the greater cane rat which, while an agricultural pest, it is often sought as a bushmeat delicacy.
The Spanish term is agutí. In Mexico, the agouti is called the sereque.[4] In Panama, it is known as the ñeque[5] and in eastern Ecuador, as the guatusa.
