The black agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa ) is a South American species of agouti from the family Dasyproctidae.
Black agoutis have coarse and glossy fur. Colors of their fur varies from pale orange to almost black. The underparts have white, yellow or buff colors. These animals have slender bodies and short ears. There are three toes on their hindfeet with hooflike claws.
Black agoutis live in South America. They are found in the northwestern Amazon in southern Venezuela, eastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, western Brazil and northeastern Peru. There is also a disjunct population in the Magdalena River Valley of northern Colombia. Black agoutis inhabit forests, thick brush, savannas and cultivated areas. In Peru, they are confined to the Amazonian region. Agoutis live in close proximity to water and are often found on the banks of all types of streams.
Black agoutis live alone or in pairs. They are active during the days. In some areas, they construct burrows among limestone boulders, along river banks or under the roots of trees. These animals walk, trot or gallop on their digits. They also can jump as high as two meters. When threatened Black agoutis bark to warn other family members within the home range about a potential predator.
Black agoutis are herbivores (frugivores). They feed on fruits, seeds, nuts, vegetables, and different plants.
Little is known about the mating system in Black agoutis. These animals breed year-round. Females give birth to one or two pups. The gestation period lasts around 104-120 days. Newborns are born fully furred with open eyes. They can run shortly after birth and are nursed for around twenty weeks.
Main threats to Black agoutis in some areas of their range are hunting and habitat destruction.
The IUCN Red List and other sources do not provide the total population size of Black agoutis. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
