DOMESTIC GUINEA PIG Cavia porcellus MAMMAL Order Rodentia Description 10 in long, about 2 lbs. Variable color and hair length. Range Central and South America - First named Guiana Pigs when the Dutch obtained them from Dutch Guiana (now Surinam) off the coast of South America. The name evolved into Guinea Pig. Photo © James P. Rowan Photography

Ecology Habitat rocky ledges and scrub area of semi-arid country. Niche herbivorous: prefers grain, grass, fruit and vegetables. Preyed upon by small mammalian carnivores and birds of prey. Diurnal and terrestrial, but requires a warm burrow in cold weather. Alarm call is a high-pitched squeal. Life History Mating and births occur during the warmer months. Gestation is 1- 2.5 months; avgerage of 3 young are born. Babies can forage for themselves after 3 days, but are nursed by the mother for 3 weeks. Life span is 6-8 years. These are gregarious animals, found in small colonies. Special Adaptations Short legs with long claws for digging burrows. Compact body fits into small rock crevices where predators cannot reach. Large ears and acute hearing detect predators. Continuously growing, chisel-like incisor (front) teeth for gnawing hard food items.