Caviidae, from Tupi saûîá (generic name for some rodent species found in South America), in reference to the fact that all the members of this family are characteristic and abundant rodents in South America.

Common names of members

Guinea pigs, wild cavies, maras, mocos and capybaras.

Distribution  

South America.

Size

Across species, their dimensions vary from 22 cm in length and 300 grams in weight to 106–134 cm in length and 35–66 kg in weight.

Morphology

Their heads are big and their bodies are thick and small. Most don't appear to have tails. They lack a collarbone, have strong, pointed, or thick nails, and have four toes on each of their front and three on each of their back paws.

Habitat & Ecology

Across wide spaces ranging from damp savanna to scrub desert to thorny woodlands.

Diet

They are herbivores, eating tough grasses or softer leaves, depending on species.

Reproduction 

The group's social structures differ greatly from one species to another. While some species create permanent social groups, many others are promiscuous and keep harems of two or more females under their care. On the other hand, there are monogamous species which establish transient colonial creches to tend to the offspring of several mothers; and others who live in groups of ten or more, occasionally even more. Each group consists of a single dominant male, several females, subordinate males, and juveniles.

Species known in Hong Kong

0.

Total species known

21

Species in the collection

1

Species in Hong Kong

0

Reference

Macdonald, D. W. (2006). The Encyclopedia of mammals. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acref/9780199206087.001.0001.

Savage, R. J. G., Long, M. R. (1986). Mammal Evolution: an illustrated guide. Facts on File.

Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (2005). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Navarro, E. A. (2013). Dicionário de tupi antigo: a língua indígena clássica do Brasil. Global.