Rocky Mountain cavy (SciiFii)

A Rocky Mountain cavy (Microcavia montem) is a species of mountain cavy that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the Rocky Mountains and nearby hills and mountains across North America to help boost biodiversity. The Rocky Mountain cavies are tailless rodents with short, speckled, greyish-yellow fur, fading to pale grey on the underparts. Adults measure around 20 cm (7.9 in) in total length and weigh between 200 and 326 g (7.1 and 11.5 oz). They have large eyes surrounded by a prominent white ring, and small rounded ears. Females have four teats. They primarily feed on leaves, fruits and other plant material, with mesquite and Capparis being one of the most common food sources of the Rocky Mountain cavies. They can even climb trees to get at the leaves, sometimes reaching as high as 4 m (13 ft) above the ground. In time of hardship, however, they will eat almost any plants, for example gnawing on the bark of creosote bushes. They live in colonial burrows with anything from 4 to 38 individuals. Such burrows can be extensive, with one being reported to have 26 entrances, and a total length of 42 m (138 ft). They are diurnal, emerging from the burrows at sunrise, and remaining active throughout the day, except in particularly hot weather. Males are often aggressive towards one another, creating a strict dominance hierarchy within the burrow. Nonetheless, in severe weather or when there are few shelter sites, individuals, especially females, may huddle together, and the females have also been seen to nurse young cooperatively. The conservation status of the Rocky Mountain cavy is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the Rocky Mountain cavy's wide range and its tolerance to most of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii