Fun Facts!

If a fruit falls in the forest, does anyone hear it? Acouchis listen for the sound of falling fruit and hurry to the spot where the sound originated.

Acouchis are often domesticated and raised as pets.
 

Green Acouchi

Myoprocta pratti

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

A member of the rodent family, the adult green acouchi is typically 12 inches long and weighs about two pounds. It has a reddish-green to blackish-green coat, a yellow underbelly and a bright colored head which can range from red through orange to orange-yellow, with a very short tail.

HABITAT

Found in northern South America in cooler, damp forested areas of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Acouchis inhabit lowland forest areas near water.

DIET IN THE WILD

Acouchis will eat a wide variety of forest fruits, succulent plants, leaves, stems and roots. Like the squirrels of the United States, they will invade gardens to eat green leafy plants and peanuts. When food is abundant, acouchis will store excess food by burying it.

BEHAVIOR

Green acouchis can be found hunting for food day and night, but will give up their daytime activity when disturbed or frightened. They are solitary and quite independent.

STATUS IN THE WILD / CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Both the green acouchi and its kissin’ cousin, the red acouchi, remain plentiful in the wild, and their numbers are of a low concern.

LIFE SPAN

In the wild, green acouchis typically live 8-10 years, and can live from 13-20 years in captivity.