The Patagonian Cavy is native to Central and Southern Argentina. They were first found in an area known as Patagonia in the early 1950’s. They are also known as the Mara.

The young cavies are kept in a communal burrow called a creche. Although pups are well developed and can start grazing within 24 hours of birth, they remain in the creche for up to four months. Each mother returns several times a day to nurse her young. As many as 15 pairs of maras may deposit their young in one creche.