Caviidae

(vertebrate zoology) A family of large, hystricomorph rodents distinguished by a reduced number of toes and a rudimentary tail.

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(Caviidae)

Class: Mammalia

Order: Rodentia

Suborder: Hystricognathi

Family: Caviidae

Thumbnail description
Range from short, stocky body form to rabbit-like with long slender legs and nails that are hoof-like; either clawed digits or nails; scampering or cursorial locomotion; pelage relatively short and gray to agouti dorsally and paler on ventral surface

Size
Head and body length 5.9–29.5 in (150–750 mm); tailless or tail length 0.9–1.3 in (24–35 mm); weight 7 oz to 35.2 lb (200 g to 16 kg)

Number of genera, species
6 genera; 16 species

Habitat
Low elevations up to elevations of 16,400 ft (5,000 m), semiarid thorn shrub, grassland and savanna, riparian forest and forest edge, rocky outcrops, steppe vegetation with sparse shrubs, and cultivated areas

Conservation status
No species listed by the IUCN

Distribution
Broadly distributed throughout South America

Evolution and systematics

The family Caviidae first appears in the fossil record during the middle Miocene of South America. The family is a member of the monophyletic Cavioidea, a superfamily containing three additional families, Agoutidae, Dasyproctidae, and Hydrochaeridae. Traditionally, the Caviidae has been subdivided into two subfamilies, with Galea, Cavia, Microcavia, and Kerodon placed in the subfamily Caviinae and Dolichotis and Pediolagus in the subfamily Dolichotinae. Based on morphological studies, capybaras of the family Hydrochaeridae are considered to be the closest relative to the Caviidae. A molecular phylogenetic study by Rowe and Honeycutt in 2002 suggests considerable modification of the current phylogenetic arrangements of both genera in the Caviidae and relationships among families in the superfamily Cavioidea. Cavids appear most closely related to the family Agoutidae, and rather than being a separate family, these molecular data suggest that the Hydrochaeridae is related to Kerodon, and these two lineages are most closely aligned with Dolichotis and Pediolagus, members of the subfamily Dolichotinae. Therefore, the Caviinae is confined to three genera, Cavia, Microcavia, and Galea, with the first two genera being more closely related. Assuming that Kerodon was a member of the Caviinae, Lacher in 1981 suggested that similarities in the social system seen in Kerodon and members of the Dolichotinae provided evidence of convergence in response to similar habitat constraints and the distribution of resources. The molecular phylogenetic arrangement has implications for understanding the evolution of life history traits, especially those related to mating systems and resource availability. The placement of the rock cavy, Kerodon and Hydrochaeris, as members of the Dolichotinae suggests that shared ancestry, rather than similarities in ecological constraints, best explains the evolution of social behavior in these rodents. In this regard, both the rock cavy and the capybara have a harem-based polygynous breeding system and are habitat specialists. If the molecular data are correct, then the ancestor to capybaras, rock cavies, maras, and salt-desert cavies may have been highly social. This complex social system may very well be associated with patchily distributed resources.

The genus Cavia is the most diverse in terms of species and overall geographic distribution. Although as many as eight species have been recognized, Wilson and Reeder in 1993 listed five species. The other Caviinae genera, Microcavia and Galea, each contain three species, whereas Kerodon

is represented by one species with a restricted distribution. Although Pediolagus salinicola was considered a species within the genus Dolichotis, recent treatments based on morphology and nucleotide sequences suggest that it represents a genus separate from the currently recognized Dolichotis patagonum.

Physical characteristics

Members of the family are stout bodied with large heads and short pelage. Like many mammals that feed on plant materials, cavids have high-crowned jaw teeth that are continuously growing. Dorsal coloration varies from yellow, gray, olive, and agouti, with ventral pelage color being white or lighter than upper parts. Size and basic body plan ranges from small, tailless, short-legged cavies (Cavia, Microcavia, and Galea) with body lengths 5.9–15.7 in (150–400 mm) and weights of 7.0–21.1 oz (200–600 g) to large-bodied, rabbit-like salt-desert cavies and maras (Dolichotis and Pediolagus) with short tails 0.9–1.3 in (24–35 mm) and long, slender limbs, and larger body sizes 17.7–29.5 in (450–750 mm) and weights of 2.2–35.2 lb (1–16 kg). Dolichotis is considerably larger than Pediolagus. Unlike the small, scampering cavies, salt-desert cavies and maras are highly specialized for cursorial or fast-running locomotion displaying digit reduction and hoof-like nails. Cavies have clawed digits with less reduction in number (four on front and three on rear). The rock cavy, Kerodon rupestris, is the ecological-equivalent of rock hyraxes in Africa. Its padded feet and nail-like digits make it highly adapted for climbing rocks and trees.

Distribution

Cavia is the most broadly distributed genus, occurring throughout most of South America from Colombia to Argentina, whereas rock cavies are confined to rocky outcrops in restricted areas of Brazil. Other genera and species are common in parts of southern Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, and Argentina.

Habitat

Habitat utilization varies with species that are generalists occurring in areas containing an even distribution of resources and more specialized species adapted to arid conditions and sparsely distributed resources. Maras and salt-desert cavies are more common in temperate steppe habitats characterized by scattered shrubs and grasslands. Habitat preferences of cavies are more varied, represented by thorn bush, forested areas near water, grasslands, and cultivated lands. Compared to guinea pigs, the cuis lives in more arid habitats, and the rock cavy is specialized for patchily distributed rocky outcrops. Most species prefer lower elevations and none occur above 16,400 ft (5,000 m).

Behavior

The cuis, mountain cavy, and mara excavate burrows. All species have diverse repertoires of vocalizations related to alarm calls, aggressive interactions (especially among males), courtship, and play. Most species exhibit scent-marking behaviors, especially rubbing of the ano-genital region. Males may urinate on females during courtship (enurination). All species are diurnal, with highest activity peaks in mornings and afternoons. Species within the family are colonial and vary in mating system. According to Rood's classic study in 1972, which detailed the behavior of cavies, species within these three genera are colonial, and males have a linear dominance hierarchy that maintained by aggressive interactions. In 1995 Kunkele and Hoeck observed communal suckling in the cuis,

Galea musteloides. During courtship, cuis males perform hops, and individuals within a colony socially groom. Vocalizations are varied squeaks, "churrs," screeches, whistles, and chattering of teeth. Male cavies have very distinctive courtship, with a "rhumba" display, best described for guinea pigs. The mating system of guinea pigs (genus Cavia) and mountain cavies (genus Microcavia) is polygynous with a dominant male breeding several females. The cui is promiscuous, and there is evidence of multiple paternities for single litters of the cuis. Sachser and others in 1999 indicated that these contrasting mating systems in the cuis and guinea pig are related to testes size in males, with male cuis having larger testes sizes than male guinea pigs.

Rock cavies display resource defense polygyny, whereby males protect rock piles and attract groups of females. Both males and females have linear dominance hierarchies. Maras have a male-dominant hierarchy and display monogamy. The studies of Taber and Macdonald revealed the formation of pair bonds lasting several breeding seasons with the female representing a mobile "territory" defended by the male. During the breeding season, the offspring of multiple pairs occupy a communal den, unlike the cuis, whose mothers nurse only their offspring.

Feeding ecology and diet

Many species like the rock cavy are generalist herbivores, feeding on a variety of leaves, seeds, fruits, and flowers. Others feed more on grasses, leaves, and cacti. Some species, like rock cavies and mountain cavies, climb while foraging. Most non-climbers feed more on grasses and low growing vegetation.

Reproductive biology

Cavids display a range of mating systems including hierarchical promiscuity, polygyny, and monogamy. Young are born precocial and mature sexually at an early age. Smaller cavies, including the rock cavy, range in gestation period from 50–70 days, are polyestrous (producing multiple litters per year), and are capable of postpartum estrus. Litter size can be as high as seven, but in most small species litter size is one to three. Maras and salt-desert cavies are more seasonal in breeding patterns and produce small litters of one to two offspring, which are extremely precocial, due to convergence with small antelopes. In general, the smaller species have larger reproductive outputs.

Conservation status

No species are currently listed by IUCN.

Significance to humans

The guinea pig has been domesticated since 1000 B.C. and, in some areas of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, is raised for food. Ancient Incas apparently used the guinea pig in religious sacrifices. Smaller cavies are considered agricultural pests in some regions, and other species can impact grazing areas. Larger cavies are hunted for food and skins.

Species accounts

Resources

Eisenberg, J. F. "The Function and Motivational Basis of Hystricomorph Vocalizations." In The Biology of Hystricomorph Rodents, edited by I. W. Rowlands and Barbara J. Weir. London: Academic Press, 1974.

Kleiman, D. G. "Patterns of Behaviour in Hystricomorph Rodents." In The Biology of Hystricomorph Rodents, edited by I. W. Rowlands and Barbara J. Weir. London: Academic Press, 1974.

Lacher, T. E. "The Comparative Social Behavior of Kerodon rupestris and Galea spixii and the Evolution of Behavior in the Caviidae." In Bulletin of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Number 17, edited by Hugh H. Genoways, Duane A. Schlitter, and Stephen L. Williams. Pittsburgh: Trustees of Carnegie Institute, 1981.

Macdonald, D. The New Encyclopedia of Mammals. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001.

Nowak, R. M. Walker's Mammals of the World. Vol. 2. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1991.

Olrog, C. C., and M. Lucero. Guia de Los Mamiferos Argentinos. Tucuman, Argentina: Fundacion Miguel Lillo, 1981.

Redford, K. H., and J. F. Eisenberg. Mammals of the Neotropics: The Southern Cone. Vol. 2. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1992.

Wilson, D. E., and D. M. Reeder. Mammal Species of The World. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1993.

Woods, C. A. "Hystricognath Rodents." In Orders and Families of Mammals of the World, edited by J. Knox Jones and Sydney Anderson. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1984.

Campos, C. M., M. F. Tognelli, and R. A. Ojeda. "Dolichotis patagonum." Mammalian Species 652 (2001): 1–5

Galante, M. L., and M. H. Cassini. "Seasonal Variation of a Cavy Population in the Pampa Region, East-Central Argentina." Mammalia 58 (1994): 549–556.

Ganslosser, U., and S. Wehnelt. "Juvenile Development as Part of Extraordinary Social System of the Mara Dolichotis patagonum (Rodentia: Caviidae)." Mammalia 61 (1997): 3–15.

Keil, A., J. T. Epplen, and Norbert Sachser. "Reproductive Success of Males in the Promiscuous-mating Yellow-toothed Cavy (Galea musteloides)." Journal of Mammalogy 80 (1999): 1257–1263.

Kunkele, J., and H. N. Hoeck. "Communal Suckling in the Cavy Galea musteloides." Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 37 (1995): 385–391.

Rood, J. P. "Ecological and Behavioural Comparisons of Three Genera of Argentine Cavies." Animal Behaviour Monographs, 5 (1972): 1–83.

Rosati, V. R., and E. H. Bucher. "Seasonal Diet of the Chacoan Cavy (Pediolagus salinicola) in the Western Chaco, Argentina." Mammalia 56 (1992): 567–574.

Rowe, D. L., and R. L. Honeycutt. "Phylogenetic Relationships, Ecological Correlates, and Molecular Evolution Within the Cavioidea (Mammalia, Rodentia)." Molecular Biology and Evolution 19 (2002): 263–277.

Sachser, N. "Of Domestic and Wild Guinea Pigs: Studies in Sociophysiology, Domestication, and Social Evolution." Naturwissenschaften 85 (1998): 307–317.

Sachser, N., E. Schwarz–Weig, A. Keil., and J. T. Epplen. "Behavioural Strategies, Testis Size, and Reproductive Success in Two Caviomorph Rodents with Different Mating Systems." Behaviour 136 (1999): 1203–1217.

Tognelli, M. F., C. M. Campos, and R. A. Ojeda. "Microcavia australis." Mammalian Species 648 (2001): 1–4.

Tognelli, M. F., C. M. Campos, R. A. Ojeda, and V. G. Roig. "Is Microcavia australis (Rodentia: Caviidae) Associated with a Particular Plant Structure in the Monte Desert of Argentina?" Mammalia 59 (1995): 327–333.

Taber, A. B., and D. W. Macdonald. "Communal Breeding in the Mara, Dolichotis patagonum." Journal of Zoology 203 (1984): 439–452. ——. "Spatial Organization and Monogamy in the Mara Dolichotis patagonum." Journal of Zoology 227 (1992): 417–438.

[Article by: Rodney L. Honeycutt, PhD]

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: a family of Hystricomorpha
  Synonym: family Caviidae

Caviidae Fossil range: Middle Miocene - Recent
Mara, genus Dolichotis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Rodentia Family: Caviidae Fischer de Waldheim, 1817
Subfamilies
Caviinae  Dolichotinae  Hydrochoerinae

The Cavy family (Caviidae) is divided in three subfamilies:

• Subfamily Caviinae: Guinea pigs (cavies)
  • Genus Cavia, this genus is especially called cavy.
  • Genus Galea
  • Genus Microcavia
• Subfamily Dolichotinae: Patagonian hares or maras
  • Genus Dolichotis - maras
• Subfamily Hydrochoerinae: Capybara
  • Genus Hydrochoerus
  • Genus Kerodon

References

• Woods, C. A. and C. W. Kilpatrick. 2005. Pp 1538-1600 in Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference 3rd ed. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder eds. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington D.C.

Rodent Families

Sciuromorpha: †Allomyidae | Aplodontiidae | †Mylagaulidae | †Reithroparamyidae | Sciuridae | Gliridae

Castorimorpha: †Eutypomyidae | Castoridae | †Rhizospalacidae | †Eomyidae | †Florentiamyidae | †Heliscomyidae | †Mojavemyidae | Heteromyidae | Geomyidae

Myomorpha: †Armintomidae | Dipodidae | †Anomalomyidae | †Simimyidae | Platacanthomyidae | Spalacidae | Calomyscidae | Nesomyidae | Cricetidae | Muridae

Anomaluromorpha: Anomaluridae | †Parapedetidae | Pedetidae

Hystricomorpha: †Tamquammyidae | †Gobiomyidae | Ctenodactylidae | Diatomyidae | †Yuomyidae | †Chapattimyidae | †Tsaganomyidae | †"Baluchimyinae" | †Bathyergoididae | Bathyergidae | Hystricidae | †Myophiomyidae | †Diamantomyidae | †Phiomyidae | †Kenyamyidae | Petromuridae | Thryonomyidae | Erethizontidae | Chinchillidae | Dinomyidae | Caviidae | Dasyproctidae | †Eocardiidae | Cuniculidae | Ctenomyidae | Octodontidae | †Neoepiblemidae | Abrocomidae | Echimyidae | Myocastoridae | Capromyidae | †Heptaxodontidae

Prehistoric rodents (incertae sedis): †Eurymylidae | †Cocomyidae | †Alagomyidae | †Archetypomyidae | †Ivanantoniidae | †Laredomyidae | †Ischyromyidae | †Theridomyidae | †Protoptychidae | †Zegdoumyidae | †Sciuravidae | †Cylindrodontidae | †Zelomyidae

† indicates extinct taxa

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