Pronunciation: [ˈaɡwɑːɹə] (IPA) 
Agouara is a word that refers to a species of fox found in South America. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "a", is pronounced as "uh" with a short "a" sound. The second syllable, "gou", is pronounced as "goo" with a soft "g" sound. The third syllable, "ara", is pronounced as "ah-rah" with a long "a" sound. Overall, the pronunciation of "Agouara" is "uh-GOO-ah-rah".
Agouara is a noun in the Portuguese language, originating from the Brazilian Tupi-Guarani dialect. This term refers to a specific species of rodent that belongs to the family Echimyidae. Commonly known as the spiny rat or spiny tree-rat, Agouaras are small to medium-sized rodents indigenous to South America.
The physical characteristics of an Agouara typically include a stout body covered in coarse, spiny fur, which can range in color from brown to dark gray. They have a long, scaly tail that aids in their arboreal lifestyle. Agouaras are excellent climbers, thanks to their sharp claws and prehensile tail, allowing them to easily maneuver through tree branches.
These nocturnal mammals are predominantly herbivorous, with their diet consisting of fruits, seeds, bark, and leaves. Due to their specialized diet, Agouaras play a vital role in seed dispersal and thus contribute to the biodiversity of their natural habitats.
Their natural range spans across different South American countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Agouaras typically inhabit tropical rainforests, where they find their homes in tree hollows or build nests constructed from leaves and twigs.
While this species is not considered endangered, their habitats are increasingly threatened due to deforestation and human encroachment. Conservation efforts are consequently crucial to ensure the long-term survival of the Agouara and maintain the delicate balance of ecosystems in which they play an important role.
