![]() The average home range size was 4.5 ha, using the minimum convex polygon (MCP) approach. The mean agouti density was determined in the Pinkaiti Research Station (southeastern Brazilian Amazonia) to be 31 individuals/km 2. Males were found more in open areas as compared to females and they usually lived in pairs or small units. They were found to have a wide home range that varied according to the availability of food. The Erie Zoo stated that they could be found in tropical habitats, with a preference for areas with good undergrowth, especially near to waterways. The Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago stated that agoutis could be found in a wide array of forests, sometimes even in gardens and crop fields. They were known to burrow (, ) and were described as being terrestrial animals. They have been described as diurnal animals that could be found in tropical and subtropical climates, in marshy woodlands near to rivers or in dry forests. During the rainy season their home range was found nearer to the water line, and home ranges always included some dense forest, which provided shelter. In contrast, other authors found that they preferred a higher density of understory. They are bimodal animals and they could be found in different types of vegetation, mainly swampy grounds and seasonally flooded areas, but they avoid areas with dense undergrowth as they preferred areas where visibility is highest, such as open areas. ![]() Norris and others described agoutis in the southern Brazilian Amazon as having a bimodal activity pattern, with activity patterns being affected by the length of time forest patches have been isolated. The purpose of this literature review is to compile information regarding the natural habitat, housing, and restraint needs of the 6 different Neotropical animals listed. If these animals are to be fully utilized for meat production and conservation, then knowledge of restraint, housing, and the environment in which they dwell is critical. These animals require minimal input from man and are self-sustaining since they can be fed local feedstuff which can be collected throughout the year. Hardouin and others used the phrase “mini-livestock” and defined it as any animal that is well known in its area of natural dispersion it is not usually obtained by controlled breeding and benefits humans nutritionally or economically. marsupialis insularis), collared peccary ( T. The following Neotropical animals have the potential for domestication and use to man: Agouti ( D. americana) was generally found to be a solitary animal and was known to inhabit tropical forests and wetlands with dense vegetation. tajacu) could be found in diverse habitats and was described as being a social, herd animal. marsupialis) was found along wetlands and low-density woodlands and they occupied dens. hydrochaeris) was found to be a semiaquatic animal that could usually be found in wetlands, in herds. paca) was said to be a terrestrial animal that could be found near wetlands in tropical forests and they were known to burrow. ![]() leporina) could be found in tropical and subtropical, moist environments and were said to be terrestrial animals. These animals are native to the Neotropics and adapted to our conditions. These animals if reared intensively can be a sustainable way for people in rural villages to increase their economic gain as well as decrease the level of poverty in these villages. ![]() In Trinidad, these animals are hunted as “wild meat” and are quite expensive because they are eaten as a delicacy. Little is known about the housing, environment, and restraint of these animals. The use of indigenous Neotropical animals is a sustainable way to decease poverty and hunger in rural communities. In rural communities the level of hunger and poverty is quite high. The world at present is having an increase in human population without enough food to feed itself. ![]()
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