Cavia is a genus in the Caviinae subfamily that contains the rodents commonly known as guinea pigs. The most well-known species in this genus is the domestic guinea pig, Cavia porcellus, an important meat animal in South America and a common household pet in the West.

Taxonomic controversy

Cavia are classified in order Rodentia, although there is a minority belief in the scientific community that evidence from mitochondrial DNA and proteins indicates that the Hystricognathi may belong to a different evolutionary offshoot and therefore a different order. If so, this would be an example of convergent evolution. Other scientists are critical of this hypothesis.

Species

• Cavia anolaimae (often considered a synonym of C. porcellus) - Colombia
• Cavia aperea – Brazilian Guinea Pig: widespread east of the Andes
• Cavia fulgida – Shiny Guinea Pig: eastern Brazil
• Cavia guianae (often considered a synonym of ''C. porcellus) - Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil
• Cavia intermedia – Intermediate Guinea Pig: Moleques do Sul islands, Santa Catarina, Brazil, first described in 1999
• Cavia magna – Greater Guinea Pig: Uruguay, south-east Brazil
• Cavia nana (often considered a synonym of C. tschudii)
• Cavia porcellus – Domestic Guinea Pig: wild ancestor unknown
• Cavia tschudii – Montane Guinea Pig: Peru south to northern Chile and north-west Argentina

References