Draft Terms of Reference – Brazilian Agouti
1. Provide information on the taxonomy of the species
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Suborder: Hystricomorpha
Family: Dasyproctidae
Genus: Dasyprocta
Species: leporina
Common name: Brazilian Agouti
The species was first described as Mus leporinus by Linnaeus in 1758 (later modified to Dasyprocta leporina), but until
1978 was known by the junior synonym Dasyprocta aguti (Linnaeus, 1766).1,2 Other synonyms which have been used in
the past include Dasyprocta cayana (Lacepede, 1802) and Dasyprocta rubrata (Thomas, 1898). 3 There are a number of
named subspecies (at least eight).4,5 Captive populations are not generally assigned to subspecies as the origins of the
founders are usually unknown. The species is also commonly known as the Golden-rumped Agouti, Red-rumped Agouti,
Orange-rumped Agouti, and Golden Agouti.
1
Wilson, D.E. and Reeder, D.M. (eds) (2005) “Mammal Species Of The World: a taxonomic and geographic reference”
(3rd edition) John Hopkins University Press
2
Husson, A.M. (1978) “The Mammals Of Suriname” Leiden, the Netherlands
3
Husson (1978), op. cit.
4
Wilson (2005), op. cit.
5
Husson (1978), op. cit.
2. Provide information on the status of the species under CITES
CITES Listing: no status
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
The Brazilian Agouti is not listed on the CITES appendices,6, and is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List due
to the species’ wide distribution and presumed large overall population. 7
The Brazilian Agouti has a distribution covering a large part of north-eastern South America, including Venezuela,
Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana, Brazil, and Trinidad and Tobago.8,9,10 Insular populations in the Lesser Antilles are
largely derived from prehistoric introductions by man and have been isolated long enough to have evolved into distinct
subspecies.11
Population figures are unknown but the species is considered common and non-threatened throughout its
range.12,13,14,15
6
http://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/6284/0
8
Eisenberg, J.F. (1989) “Mammals Of The Neotropics: vol. 1 the northern Neotropics” University of Chicago Press
7
9
Eisenberg, J.F. and Redford, K.H. (1999) “Mammals Of The Neotropics: vol. 3 the central Neotropics” University of
Chicago Press
10
Emmons, L.H. and Feer, F. (1997) ”Neotropical Rainforest Mammals: a field guide” (2nd edition) University of Chicago
Press
11
Wilson, D.E. and Reeder, D.M. (eds) (2005) “Mammal Species Of The World: a taxonomic and geographic reference”
(3rd edition) John Hopkins University Press
12
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/6284/0
13
Eisenberg (1989), op. cit.
14
Eisenberg and Redford (1999), op. cit.
15
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
3. Provide information about the ecology of the species.
Like most large-bodied rodents, agoutis are quite long-lived animals. Little is known of the life spans of wild animals, but
the oldest captive record for the Brazilian Agouti is 17.8 years.16 Most agouti species are of a roughly similar size, with
the Brazilian Agouti specifically having a body-length range of 45-69cm and weight of 3-6kg.17,18 Females average larger
than males but the difference is not great.19
All agouti species are similar in general appearance, being relatively large (about the size of a cat) but slender-bodied,
with long thin legs, hoof-like claws, coarse but glossy pelage, small ears, and almost no tail.20,21 The gross differences
between species are determined partly by distribution and partly by colouration. The Brazilian Agouti is very easily
distinguished from all other agouti species by its distinctive coloration: dark brownish on the forebody becoming
obviously orange or reddish on the rear part of the body (hence the alternative names of Orange-rumped Agouti,
etc).22,23
Brazilian Agoutis have a large natural distribution covering most of north-eastern South America, including Venezuela,
Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana, Brazil, and Trinidad and Tobago.24,25,26 Their distribution is entirely tropical and while
their primary habitat is rainforest they also inhabit less vegetated areas including farmland, so long as there is some
dense cover in the area.27,28,29 They live entirely terrestrially and are active by day, year-round (i.e. there is no
hibernation period).30,31,32
The primary diet of all agouti species is fallen fruit and seeds, collected opportunistically from the forest floor.33,34
Agoutis are what are known as “scatter-hoarders”: they routinely cache food items (i.e. burying seeds and nuts) in
separate locations when food is plentiful, which they return to when food becomes scarce.35,36 Because they do not
retrieve all cached items they play a valuable role in their native forests as seed dispersers for the forest trees.37,38
Brazilian Agoutis occupy home ranges of between 3 and 10 hectares.39,40,41 Population densities may be between 1 and
63 animals per square kilometre.42 Males are territorial towards other males.43 Young may remain with the parents for a
certain period, forming family groups.44
16
Weigl, R. (2005) “Longevity Of Mammals In Captivity; from the living collections of the world” E. Schweizerbart’sche:
Stuttgart
17
Husson, A.M. (1978) “The Mammals Of Suriname” Leiden, the Netherlands
18
Emmons, L.H. and Feer, F. (1997) ”Neotropical Rainforest Mammals: a field guide” (2nd edition) University of Chicago
Press
19
Mendes-Oliveira, A.C.; de Maria, S.L.S.; de Lima, R.C.S.; Fernandes, A.S.; de Alameida, P.R.C.; Montag, L.F.A.; and de
Carvalho Jr., O. (2012) “Testing simple criteria for the age estimation of six hunted mammal species in Brazilian Amazon”
Mastozoologica Neotropical, vol. 19:1
20
Nowak, R.M. (1999) “Walker’s Mammals Of The World” (5th edition), John Hopkins University Press: Baltimore
21
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
22
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
23
Eisenberg, J.F. and Redford, K.H. (1999) “Mammals Of The Neotropics: vol. 3 the central Neotropics” University of
Chicago Press
24
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
25
Eisenberg and Redford (1999), op. cit.
26
Eisenberg, J.F. (1989) “Mammals Of The Neotropics: vol. 1 the northern Neotropics” University of Chicago Press
27
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
28
Eisenberg and Redford (1999), op. cit.
29
Eisenberg (1989), op. cit.
30
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
31
Eisenberg and Redford (1999), op. cit.
32
Eisenberg (1989), op. cit.
33
Henry, O. (1999) “Frugivory and the importance of seeds in the diet of the orange-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta
leporina)” Journal of Tropical Ecology, vol. 15: pp. 291-300
34
Dubost, G. and Henry, O. (2006) “Comparison of diets of the acouchy, agouti and paca, the three largest terrestrial
rodents of the French Guianan forests” Journal of Tropical Ecology, vol. 22: pp. 641-651
35
Henry (1999), op. cit..
36
Dubost and Henry (2006), op. cit.
37
Henry (1999), op. cit.
38
Dubost and Henry (2006), op. cit.
39
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
40
Silvius, K.M. and Fragoso, J.M.V. (2003) “Red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) home range use in an Amazonian
forest: implications for the aggregated distribution of forest trees” Biotropica, vol. 35: pp. 74-83
41
Jorge, M.S.P. and Peres, C.A. (2005) “Population density and home range use of red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta
leporina) within and outside a natural Brazil nut stand in south-eastern Amazonia” Biotropica, vol. 37 (2): pp. 317-321
42
Silvius and Fragoso (2003), op. cit.
43
Eisenberg and Redford (1999), op. cit.
44
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
4. Provide information on the reproductive biology of the species
Compared to most rodents agoutis are slow breeders, producing few but well-developed young and investing a lot of
time in raising them successfully.45 Brazilian Agoutis form monogamous pairs which remain together long-term, although
young often remain with the parents for extended periods to form small family groups.46,47 Females are larger than
males but not to any great degree.48
Litter sizes are of just one to three young, born after a gestation of 104-120 days.49,50 The young are fully-developed and
are active within an hour of birth.51 The young are not weaned until about twenty weeks of age and they often remain
with the parents for much longer, although male offspring are less tolerated than females.52 Sexual maturity is reached
at about nine months but this does appear to be affected by the presence or absence of males/adult females: studies
have shown that female agoutis raised in captivity without males do not seem to reach puberty at all but young females
raised in the presence of a male reach maturity at nine months ; however a male placed with adult non-cycling females
results in the onset of the oestrus cycle within ten to sixty days. Furthermore the presence of an adult female delays or
prevents the onset of sexual maturity in the female offspring.53
There is no set season for breeding. Studies of wild Brazilian Agoutis show they may breed at any time of year, although
most births occur between November to April.54
45
Weir, B.J. (1974) “Reproductive characteristics of hystricomorph rodents” Symposium of the Zoological Society of
London, vol. 34: pp. 437-446
46
Weir (1974), op. cit.
47
Eisenberg, J.F. and Redford, K.H. (1999) “Mammals Of The Neotropics: vol. 3 the central Neotropics” University of
Chicago Press
48
Mendes-Oliveira, A.C.; de Maria, S.L.S.; de Lima, R.C.S.; Fernandes, A.S.; de Alameida, P.R.C.; Montag, L.F.A.; and de
Carvalho Jr., O. (2012) “Testing simple criteria for the age estimation of six hunted mammal species in Brazilian Amazon”
Mastozoologica Neotropical, vol. 19:1
49
Eisenberg and Redford (1999), op. cit.
50
Weir, B.J. (1971) “Some observations on reproduction in the female agouti, Dasyprocta aguti” Journal of Reproduction
and Fertility, vol. 24: pp. 203-211
51
Weir (1974), op. cit.
52
Weir (1971), op. cit.
53
Guimaraes, D.A.; Ramos, R.S.L.; Garcia, G.W.; and Ohashi, O.M. (2009) “The stimulatory effect of male agouti
(Dasyprocta prymnolopha) on the onset of female puberty” Acta Amazonica, vol. 39:4
54
Dubost, G.; Henry, O.; and Comizzoli, P. (2005) “Seasonality of reproduction in the three largest terrestrial rodents of
French Guianan forest” Mammalian Biology, vol. 70:2, pp. 93-109
5. Provide information on whether the species has established feral populations
There are eleven species of agouti in the genus Dasyprocta.55 Of these only three have been introduced to the wild in
countries or territories outside their natural ranges.56
The Mexican Black Agouti Dasyprocta mexicana was introduced to Cuba from Mexico in the 1930s and became
established in the western parts of the island.57
The Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata was likewise introduced to Cuba from Mexico in the 1930s and
became established in the western parts of the island.58 This species has also been established as an introduced species
on the Cayman Islands, probably since the late 1800s.59
The Brazilian Agouti Dasyprocta leporina has a series of populations in the Lesser Antilles island group which are
believed to be the result of introductions by Amerindians in pre-Columbus times.60 These populations have been
isolated long enough to have developed into distinct subspecies.61 The Brazilian Agouti was also introduced to St.
Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands in historical times, probably in the late 1800s but the population did not establish and
was probably gone by the early 1900s.62
None of the three species have caused any problems, environmentally or agriculturally, in their introduced ranges. Long
describes all three species as “Damage: none known”.63 In Simberloff & Rejmanek it is stated “neither agouti [punctata
and leporina] is reported to cause ecological damage.” 64 The only potentially negative impact is noted in Borroto-Paez
where it is suggested that in Cuba there may be ecological competition with an endemic large-bodied terrestrial rodent,
the Demarest’s hutia (Capromys pilorides), although this in unproven.65
55
Nowak, R.M. (1999) “Walker’s Mammals Of The World” (5th edition), John Hopkins University Press: Baltimore
Long, J.L. (2003) “Introduced Mammals Of The World: their history, distribution and influence” CABI Publishing:
Wallingford, UK
56
57
Long (2003), op. cit.
Long (2003), op. cit.
59
Long (2003), op. cit.
60
Long (2003), op. cit.
61
Wilson, D.E. and Reeder, D.M. (eds) (2005) “Mammal Species Of The World: a taxonomic and geographic reference”
(3rd edition) John Hopkins University Press
62
Long (2003), op. cit.
63
Long (2003), op. cit.
64
Simberloff, D. and Rejmanek, M. (2011) “Encyclopedia Of Biological Invasions” University of California Press: Berkeley
and L.A., USA
65
Borroto-Paez, R. (2009) “Invasive mammals in Cuba: an overview” Biological Invasions, vol. 11: pp. 2279-2290
58
6. Environmental risk assessments of the species
The Brazilian Agouti is included in the Vertebrate Pests Committee’s 2007 “List Of Exotic Vertebrate Animals In
Australia” where they assign it a threat rating of “Extreme” but with no data on how or why they arrived at this
conclusion. Their previous rating was “2” (i.e. “limited to statutory zoos or endorsed special collections”). The two
hystricomorph rodents currently granted importation into Australia are also on this list with threat assessments of
“Extreme” (Capybara) and “Serious” (Patagonian Mara).
http://www.feral.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/VPCListJuly2007.pdf
The Brazilian Agouti was considered for inclusion into the Zoo Rodent Import Policy by the Department of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), along with Capybara, Patagonian Mara and Cape Porcupine, but was (along with the Cape
Porcupine) removed from consideration because the species was not yet represented on the Live Import List of the
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) and could therefore not be
issued with an import permit. The Zoo Rodent Import Policy covers two species of hystricomorph rodents (Capybara and
Patagonian Mara) and states that importation of other species of hystricomorph rodents may be considered on a case
by case basis.
http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_casecontent.asp?intNodeId=8870806&intCommodityId=10800&Types=none&
WhichQuery=Go+to+full+text&intSearch=1&LogSessionID=0
Quarantine requirements for hystricomorph rodents have been established for Capybara and Patagonian Mara, and
would cover Brazilian Agoutis if these were to be imported.
7. Assess the likelihood that the species could establish a breeding population in Australia
Brazilian Agoutis have been held in Australian and New Zealand zoos for very many decades with no instances of
escaped animals forming wild populations. In Australia they are currently held at the Taronga (Sydney) and Melbourne
Zoos; in New Zealand they are currently held at the Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington Zoos.
The likelihood of Brazilian Agoutis establishing a breeding population in Australia outside effective human control is very
low. The only established introduced populations of agoutis are all on tropical Central American islands and are all
derived from direct transplantation of wild animals.66
The wild distribution of agoutis is entirely tropical and they are not likely to survive in the wild anywhere that falls
outside this climate.67 Their primary habitat is rainforest and although in their native range they can adapt to disturbed
habitats near to appropriate forests, they are unlikely to be able to establish long-term populations in less vegetated
regions.68 Being diurnal and primarily non-burrowing they are also quite obvious animals and could easily be recaptured
if individuals should escape.69
They have a fairly narrow dietary niche, feeding largely on fallen fruits and large seeds and so their theoretical survival as
a wild population would be completely restricted to rainforest where such items are abundant year-round.70
Brazilian Agoutis are slow-breeding animals, producing only one to three offspring per litter and breeding just once or
twice a year.71,72 Sexual maturity is reached at about nine months of age.73,74 They are not rapid breeders as is common
in rodents (e.g. mice and rats), and hence control of an established wild population would be easily achieved.
In the wild state in Australia it is unlikely a population could establish in the presence of mammalian predators (foxes
and dingoes), avian predators (hawks, eagles, etc), and reptilian predators (pythons and large goannas).
66
Long, J.L. (2003) “Introduced Mammals Of The World: their history, distribution and influence” CABI Publishing:
Wallingford, UK
67
Nowak, R.M. (1999) “Walker’s Mammals Of The World” (5th edition), John Hopkins University Press: Baltimore
68
Nowak (1999), op. cit.
69
Emmons, L.H. and Feer, F. (1997) ”Neotropical Rainforest Mammals: a field guide” (2nd edition) University of Chicago
Press
70
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
71
Weir, B.J. (1974) “Reproductive characteristics of hystricomorph rodents” Symposium of the Zoological Society of
London, vol. 34: pp. 437-446
72
Weir, B.J. (1971) “Some observations on reproduction in the female agouti, Dasyprocta aguti” Journal of Reproduction
and Fertility, vol. 24: pp. 203-211
73
Weir (1974), op. cit.
74
Weir (1971), op. cit.
8. Provide a comprehensive assessment of the potential impact of the species should it become established in
Australia
Brazilian Agoutis are large-bodied diurnal rodents which feed primarily on fallen fruits and large seeds (nuts). [75,76]
They are entirely terrestrial and cannot climb trees at all.77,78 They do not burrow, instead simply utilizing natural
thickets, hollow logs, etc for shelter.79,80 There are almost no native Australian mammals which fill a similar role because
there is no year-round supply of suitable food in most habitats of the country. The habitat exception is the Wet Tropics
of Far North Queensland. The Musky Rat Kangaroo (Hypsiprymnodon moschatus), which is found there, is a similar-sized
ground-dwelling diurnal fruit-eater and hence competition may be a factor but their distribution range falls well outside
the location of most zoos in the country.81 The Double-wattled Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) of Far North Queensland
also feeds to a large extent on fallen fruits, but direct competition would be unlikely.82
If a wild population should become established there would be little to no impact on the environment. Agoutis do not
usually dig burrows,83,84 they do not interfere with other animals in any respect (e.g. by attacking or preying on
them),85,86 and even in the human-introduced populations in the Caribbean there have been no recorded detrimental
effects on the local environments or other animal species.87 Agoutis cache food supplies (i.e. nuts and large seeds) and
hence act as distribution agents for those tree species which produce such fruit and nuts, but they do not usually feed
on or cache small seeds and so cannot be an agent of distribution for smaller pest plants.88 Agoutis are commonly found
near waterways (streams etc) but they do not actively enter water or use it for obtaining food.89
A feral population of Brazilian Agoutis would have little to no impact on primary industries such as farming or
agriculture. In their native ranges they may inhabit disturbed habitats (e.g. farms) if they are near forest, but they do no
damage.90,91 Their primary diet is fallen fruits and nuts; they cannot climb to obtain fruit from the tree itself.92,93 They do
not damage trees or compete in any way with livestock.94,95,96 Because they are a low-density forest-dwelling animal,
living alone or in pairs, they do not cause any nuisances in human-dominated surroundings.97,98,99
Brazilian Agoutis can be carriers of several external parasites such as ticks and fleas, and internal parasites such as
nematodes, all of which can be treated effectively before/during quarantine.100They can also be carriers of host-specific
Eimeria species.101 Wild and wild-caught Brazilian Agoutis have been known to be carriers of Echinococcus oligarthrus
hydatid cyst disease, which is found only in Central/South America and is spread between large felids (e.g. pumas and
jaguars) and rodents.102 This is not an issue with captive-bred agoutis from zoos outside the disease’s distribution. As
with many mammal species, including Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochoeris) and other hystricomorph rodents,103
agoutis can be carriers of Foot-and-Mouth Disease but this has only been recorded in laboratory situations through
deliberate infection.104
75
Nowak, R.M. (1999) “Walker’s Mammals Of The World” (5th edition), John Hopkins University Press: Baltimore
Emmons, L.H. and Feer, F. (1997) ”Neotropical Rainforest Mammals: a field guide” (2nd edition) University of Chicago
Press
77
Nowak (1999), op. cit.
78
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
79
Nowak (1999), op. cit.
80
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
81
Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. (2010)”A Field Guide To The Mammals Of Australia” Oxford University Press
82
Simpson, K. and Day, N. (2010) “Field Guide To The Birds Of Australia” Viking Press
83
Nowak (1999), op. cit.
84
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
85
Nowak (1999), op. cit.
86
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
87
Long, J.L. (2003) “Introduced Mammals Of The World: their history, distribution and influence” CABI Publishing:
Wallingford, UK
88
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
89
Nowak (1999), op. cit.
90
Nowak (1999), op. cit.
91
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
92
Nowak (1999), op. cit.
93
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
94
Nowak (1999), op. cit.
95
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
96
Long (2003), op. cit.
97
Nowak (1999), op. cit.
98
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
99
Long (2003), op. cit.
100
Baas, E.J.; Potkay, S.; and Bacher, J.D. (1976) “The agouti (Dasyprocta sp) in biomedical research and captivity”
Laboratory Animal Science, vol. 26: pp. 788-796
101
Lainson, R.; Carneiro, L.A.; and Silveira, F.T. (2007) “Observations on Eimeria species of Dasyprocta leporina
(Linnaeus, 1758) (Rodentia: Dasyproctidae)from the state of Para, North Brazil” Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz,
vol. 102:2, pp. 183-189
102
Zimmerman, D.M.; Douglass, M.; Reavill, D.R.; and Greiner, E.C. (2009) “Echinococcus oligarthrus cystic hydatidosis in
Brazilian agouti (Dasyprocta leporina)” Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, vol. 40:3, pp. 551-558
103
Gomes, I. and Rosenberg, F.J. (1984) “A possible role of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochoeris hydrochoeris) in footand-mouth disease (FMD) endemicity” Preventative Veterinary Medicine, vol. 3: pp. 197-205
104
Federer, K.E. (1969) “Susceptibility of the Agouti (Dasyprocta Aguti) to Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus” Zentralblatt
fur Veterinarmedizin, vol. 19:9, pp. 847-854
76
9. What conditions or restrictions could be applied to reduce any potential for negative impacts of the species?
Importation and transfer of Brazilian Agoutis should be limited to recognised zoological facilities as licensed by the
respective states and territories. As a containment species, Brazilian Agoutis are specifically excluded from import by or
transfer to private individuals to keep as private pets.
With the low probability of the species establishing a breeding population in the Australian environment, measures to
prevent breeding such as limiting importation to a single sex or to de-sexed individuals are unnecessary and would
prevent imported specimens being used to conserve the species in the future.
10. Summary of proposed activity
Brazilian Agoutis will be used in a variety of ways:
- for captive breeding programmes, in cooperation with other licensed zoos, to further the conservation of the species in
captivity;
-for public display as an ambassador for their species;
-to facilitate education of zoo visitors in a range of different areas of learning.
Brazilian Agoutis are already held in Australian zoos (specifically Taronga and Melbourne Zoos) but numbers and genetic
diversity are low. Importation of new stock is important to maintain this species in the Australasian region as a
representative of South American wildlife. Without new genetic stock the current zoo population of Brazilian Agoutis will
die out.
The proposed import would be of 3.3.0 individuals and the intention of the facility is to permanently hold 3.3 plus
dependent offspring. The intention of importing three pairs of Brazilian Agoutis is to help achieve and maintain genetic
diversity for the species in the Australasian region. The imported animals will all be from separate bloodlines. Other ZAA
member zoos in the region are also willing to import unrelated animals. This alone will sustain genetic diversity for many
generations to come.
Male agoutis are territorial and need to be segregated, hence each pair will be housed separately from one another.
This species is scheduled to be controlled through a ZAA ASMP Population Management Programme. Breeding will be
attempted following ASMP recommendations. The production of excess progeny can be regulated through
contraception or separation of individuals. ZAA member zoos are currently listing available spaces for 72 specimens of
Brazilian Agoutis, which will ensure that there will be no “excess” progeny for some time.
The imported animals will all be captive-bred at licenced zoos.
11. Guidelines on how species should be kept
Brazilian Agoutis in zoos are generally maintained in fairly simple “aviary-style” enclosures. Cages must be constructed
with metal supports or, at the least, wooden supports must be protected from the gnawing capabilities of the agoutis.
The most important requirement for their well-being is for there to be secluded areas for the animals to retreat to if
necessary (e.g. thickets of plants or brush; hollow logs; boxes; etc).
Brazilian Agoutis form monogamous pairs which remain together long-term, although young often remain with the
parents for extended periods to form small family groups.105,106 Males in particular are territorial and hence captive
animals must be kept in pairs. Young must be removed from the adults once independence has been reached. The
production of excess progeny can be regulated through contraception or separation of individuals.
In the wild Brazilian Agoutis occupy home ranges of between 3 and 10 hectares.107,108,109 Population densities may be
between 1 and 63 animals per square kilometre.110 The size of their home range in the wild relates to the amount of
food available (they feed largely on fallen fruits and nuts) and hence in captivity their space requirements are
considerably less.
Meritt (1997)111 and Dollinger et al (1999)112 give examples of minimum husbandry guidelines. Dollinger et al give a
minimum enclosure size of 6m2 for up to five agoutis for an outside enclosure and the same for an inside enclosure, with
an extra 1m2 for each additional individual animal.
McWilliams (2009) gives an overview of appropriate diets for captive agoutis (the paper also being available online).113
Transport of imported Brazilian Agoutis would follow the IATA Live Animal Regulations.114
105
Weir, B.J. (1974) “Reproductive characteristics of hystricomorph rodents” Symposium of the Zoological Society of
London, vol. 34: pp. 437-446
106
Emmons, L.H. and Feer, F. (1997) ”Neotropical Rainforest Mammals: a field guide” (2nd edition) University of Chicago
Press
107
Emmons and Feer (1997), op. cit.
108
Silvius, K.M. and Fragoso, J.M.V. (2003) “Red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) home range use in an Amazonian
forest: implications for the aggregated distribution of forest trees” Biotropica, vol. 35: pp. 74-83
109
Jorge, M.S.P. and Peres, C.A. (2005) “Population density and home range use of red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta
leporina) within and outside a natural Brazil nut stand in south-eastern Amazonia” Biotropica, vol. 37 (2): pp. 317-321
110
Silvius and Fragoso (2003) op. cit.
111
Meritt, Jr., D.A. (1997)”Agouti and Acouchi Minimum Husbandry Guidelines” AZA
112
Dollinger, P.; Baumgartner, R.; Isenbugel, E.; Pagan, N.; Tenhu, H.; and Weber, F. (1999) “Husbandry and Pathology of
Rodents & Lagomorphs in Swiss Zoos” Verh ber Erkg Zootiere, vol. 39
113
McWilliams, D.A. (2009) “Determinants for the Diet of Captive Agoutis (Dasyprocta spp)” The Veterinary Clinics of
North America Exotic Animal Practice, vol. 12:2, pp. 279-286
114
http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/live-animals/Pages/index.aspx
12. State/Territory controls
In Queensland the Brazilian Agouti is listed in Schedule 3 as a Declared Pest under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock
Route Management) Regulation 2003. This regulation allows the species to be kept in zoos with a permit to be issued by
the relevant state authority for possession of the species.
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/L/LandPRPSRMR03.pdf
In New South Wales the Brazilian Agouti is listed in Category 2 (animals limited to restricted collections) under the NonIndigenous Animals Regulation 2006. This regulation allows the species to be kept in zoos with a permit to be issued by
the relevant state authority for possession of the species.
http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/fullhtml/inforce/subordleg+519+2006+cd+0+Y
In Victoria the Brazilian Agouti is listed in Schedule 2 as a Controlled Pest Animal under the Catchment and Land
Protection Act 1994. This regulation allows the species to be kept in zoos with a permit to be issued by the relevant state
authority for possession of the species.
http://www.gazette.vic.gov.au/gazette/Gazettes2010/GG2010S399.pdf
In South Australia the Brazilian Agouti is listed in Category 1 under Schedule 1 of the Natural Resources Management Act
2004. The species is allowed to be kept in zoos with a permit to be issued by the relevant state authority for possession
of the species.
http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/137460/Declaration_of_Animals_and_Plants.pdf
In Western Australia the Brazilian Agouti is not listed in the Declared Animal List 2009.
http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/imported_assets/content/pw/vp/declared_animals.pdf
There appears to be no specific reference to Brazilian Agoutis in the legislation for Tasmania, the Northern Territory or
the Australian Capital Territory.
Biosecurity Australia has an existing comprehensive set of quarantine requirements for importation of live
hystricomorph rodents, which would cover Brazilian Agoutis should they be imported.
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