Animal Profiles
Mammals

Chinchilla

Chinchilla

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Chinchillas are South American rodents with exceptionally dense fur. This account focuses on the long-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera), rather than all chinchillas.

Chinchilla lanigera (chinchilla)

Representative species: Chinchilla lanigera.

Guérin Nicolas ( messages ) · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Wild long-tailed chinchillas are associated with rocky, dry landscapes in northern Chile. Captive domestic chinchillas are kept elsewhere and do not define the wild range.
Habitat
Mountains
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Grasses, seeds and other vegetation form most food.

Classification

Common name
Chinchilla
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Chinchilla
Source classification
Mammalia

Three things to know

  • Dense fur covers its body.
  • Rock crevices provide shelter.
  • It holds food in its forepaws.

Habitat and range

Wild long-tailed chinchillas are associated with rocky, dry landscapes in northern Chile. Captive domestic chinchillas are kept elsewhere and do not define the wild range.

Appearance and adaptations

A broad head, prominent ears and a furry tail distinguish this rodent. Its soft coat is unusually dense.

Diet and behaviour

Grasses, seeds and other vegetation form most food. It shelters among rocks and is generally most active at night or around twilight. Individuals are social, though interactions can include threats and competition.

Sources

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