Chinchilla- Chinchilla lanigera

Size - Chinchillas are 9-15 inches long with a 3-6 inch tail and can reach weights of 500 to 800 grams. Females are larger than males.

Life span - 15-20 years in captivity.

Diet - Chinchillas are herbivores and feed upon dry grasses, roots, bark, leaves and berries.

Geographic range - They are native to parts of the Andes mountains in Northern Chile. Their original range also included parts of the Andes mountains in Argentina, Bolivia and Peru.

Habitat- They inhabit barren and rocky mountain-sides, particularly seeking out rocky outcroppings and crevices at 10,000 to 15,000 feet in elevation.

Reproduction- Chinchillas are capable of 3 litters per year of 1-4 babies born per litter (2 babies is the average). Gestation is about 111 days and the young, called kits, are born with all of their teeth and fur and their eyes opened. They weigh 35-60 grams and are weaned at 4-5 weeks of age.

Special adaptations- Chinchillas have the densest fur of any mammal, with up to 60 hairs from one skin follicle! This fur keeps them warm at night, when they are most active. Chinchillas also have rubbery pads and stiff hairs on their feet that allow them extra traction as they jump from rock to rock. They are extremely quick and agile and have the ability to jump up to five feet in distance.

Behavior- Due to living in a cool and arid environment, chinchillas get the moisture they need by licking dew that collects on plant leaves and bathe in volcanic dust to keep their fur in good condition.

Current status - Chinchillas are considered endangered in the wild. There are two species of chinchillas: Chinchilla lanigera and Chinchilla brevicaudasa. The former species, like Manco, has less than 10,000 individuals left in the wild and latter species is considered rare. Chinchillas were extensively hunted in the late 1800's and early 1900's due to their soft and thick fur that was sought after for the fur trade. One chinchilla coat requires the fur from 80-100 chinchillas. In the 1920's, 11 chinchillas were brought into captivity to breed for the fur trade. All current pets and fur farm chinchillas are related to these initial 11 animals.