Science

This Rodent of Unusual Size Will Not Assault You. I Promise

The agouti of Central and South America may be a rodent of unusual size, growing to two feet long, but don't even trip.
Agouti feeding on freshly fallen palm fruit Barro Colorado Island Panama
A Central American Agouti, (Dasyprocta punctata) feeding on freshly fallen palm fruit on Barro Colorado Island, Panama
the principle field station of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Agoutis are important seed dispersers for many trees with hard shelled seeds.Getty Images/Minden Pictures RM

The agouti of Central and South America may be a rodent of unusual size, growing to two feet long, but don't even trip. It's kinda cute and really only eats nuts and fruits. In fact, it's got itself a pretty special relationship with the Brazil nut tree, which is more than most of us can say. Check out this week's episode of Absurd Creatures to learn more!

Find every episode of Absurd Creatures here. And I’m happy to hear from you with suggestions on what to cover next. If it’s weird and we can find footage of it, it’s fair game. You can get me at matthew_simon@wired.com or on Twitter at @mrMattSimon.