[3] The dorsal areas of the head and body of D. mexicana possess either a black or darkened brown coat colour, distinguishing this species from other members in their genus.
[5] The overall shape of D. mexicana’s back is rounded, with two pairs of thin, elongate legs attaching to the anterior and posterior ends.
[5] While the claws of these limbs possess fingers, the terrestrial lifestyle of agouti species has encouraged a reduction in the number of digits, in addition to the presence of a vestigial thumb.
[4] The smaller, anterior set of legs are the forelegs, which possess four arched finger-like claws assisting in the agouti's ability to excavate.
[3] While limited information is available pertaining to how D. mexicana utilizes its habitat, research conducted on the Central American agouti (Dasyprocta punctata) found that D. punctata centered its home range around important food sources such as fruit trees, and that they find refugee within their habitat in places such as the trunks of these trees.
[2][7] Female agoutis have been found to nurse pups until weaning for up to 7 weeks post-partum, but young are tolerated and remain in their territory post-weaning.
[2] During pregnancy, agoutis have been observed to increase the number of seeds in their diet, to heighten their protein, fat, and energy content.
[4] However, they can shift into a nocturnal lifecycle when threatened and under pressure, as a means of predator avoidance and attempt to increases their chances of survival.
[3] The Mexican agouti has been documented to release a series of sharp nasal barks and stomp their feet as an alarm call while running escaping danger.
[12][13][17][18][19][20][21] Capturing of these food items is accomplished through the scatter-hoarding behaviour of Dasyprocta species, where seeds and nuts are typically cached individually once the fruit pulp is removed.
[24] To increase resistance to compressive strain and provide a sharp edge for shaving and chiselling food items, the incisors of Dasyprotca species continuously grow and possess restricted enamel on their anteroventral surface.
[25][26] Similar to other agouti species, the known predators of Dasyprocta mexicana include cats, birds of prey, snakes, and jaguars.
[28] This mutualistic relationship arises as agoutis feed on fruits and nuts of plants, gaining a rich source of nutrients which they need to survive.
[28] While Dasyprocta mexicana serves a vital role in ecosystems, both through seed dispersal and their positioning in food webs, there is minimal information pertaining specifically to this species.
[citation needed] This is well depicted through the crucial role agouti species are expected to play in the survival of Brazil nut trees.
[30] In certain regions of the world, such as Trinidad and Tobago, agouti meat has become highly appreciated and thought of as a delicacy, which has encouraged the extensive hunting of D.
[31] While they have spread across the western region of Cuba and moved up to areas like San Diego, Soroa, and Guanahacabibes since then, sightings of these invasive species have decreased, and they do not appear to be posing any significant economic or ecological threats at the current moment.
[9][32][33] Hunting threats have also contributed to population declines in the Mexican agouti, as this species has become a popular delicacy within its home range.
[34] The flesh of the species is an excellent source of nutrients making it hunted by a variety of individuals, including humans, hares, and rabbits.
[34] While D. mexicana is currently found in select protected areas of Mexico, limited information is available on a species-specific plan for conservation.
It is believed that further research on the population size, distribution, and trends of the Mexican agouti is still needed to determine the best conservation practices for this individual.