The Red-rumped Agouti (Dasyprocta leporine) is locally known as the Akuri in Guyana. The species is native to South American especially the north Amazon countries. The agouti can be found in a wide range of habitats including swampy areas, tropical forest, savannahs, scrub forest and people’s gardens and farms.
The male and female have similar appearance but the female is larger. As a prey species this animal has a streamlined body designed for speed with powerfully built hindquarters to provide the speed needed when escaping from predators; all carnivores including wild cats, jaguar, harpy eagle and humans will prey on the agouti. The forelimbs are shorter than the hind legs and have four toes while the hind
