During our hikes in the Ecuadorian cloud forest, we encountered this curious little creature. It's called an Agouti—a rodent, yes, but not the kind that makes you think of dark alleys or squeaky kitchens. In fact, agoutis are quite charming and shy, and their appearance is much cuter than that of a typical rat.
Agoutis belong to the same family as guinea pigs and are commonly found in Central and South America. They're easily recognized by their slender legs, rounded bodies, and short ears, and they often have shiny, dark fur that blends beautifully with the forest floor.
They play a key role in the ecosystem as seed dispersers—especially for trees like Brazil nuts, which they bury and sometimes forget, helping the forest regenerate. Seeing one in the wild is a treat, as they're naturally timid and tend to freeze or dash into the undergrowth when spotted.