Mammals
Guinea pig (cuy)
Cavia porcellusConservation statusDomestic animal
DietGrass and vegetables
Lifespan4-8 years
Size and weightAbout 0.7-1.2 kg
A small, round rodent in shades of white, brown and black.
Round ears
What makes it specialPeople in the Andes tamed it thousands of years ago, long before it became a pet around the world.
Surprising factIn the villages it is part of the cooking, the ceremonies and the celebrations. People eat it on special occasions.
PopulationRaised in many Andean villages, often in the family kitchen.
Mountain villages, markets and the menus of local restaurants