It is likely descended from closely related species of cavies, such as Cavia aperea, Cavia fulgida, and Cavia tschudii, which are still commonly found in various regions of South America.
Wild cavies are found in grassy plains. They are social animals, living in the wild in small groups (herds) that consist of several females (sows), a male (boar), and their young (pups). Herds move together, eating grass or other vegetation, but do not store food. Although they do not dig burrows themselves, they often seek shelter in the burrows of other animals, as well as in crevices and tunnels created by vegetation. They are most active at dawn and dusk, when it is harder for predators to spot them.
