The agouti is a short-tailed, plant-eating rodent that live in the  rain forests of Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. There are about 13 different species of agouti. These fast-running animals live on the forest floor;whrn they sensedanger, they freeze. These common mammals have a life span of 13 to 20 years. Agoutis measure almost 2 feet (61 centimeters)long.They have small, rounded ears, long legs, and either a very short tail or no tail at all. Most agoutis have brown, blackish-brown, or orange fur. The hair on their back is greyish. Agoutis run with a jumping motion like a deer.
 

        Agoutis are herbivores (plant-eaters) ;they eat fruit, nuts, seeds, leaves, and roots. These rodents are seed dispensers (they scatterseeds around the forest). Most females bear their young in litters of two. The young have full coats of fur at birth, and their eyes are open. They can move about and take care of themselves soon after birth. However, they remain with their parents for as long as 20 weeks!!
        Agoutis are eaten by predators of the forest floor like the jaguar, large snakes, and  bush dogs. They can also be taken by birds of prey, and  people who eat agoutis.