Page 42 - Present Day Wildlife_Float

Chinchilla chinchilla (Short-tailed) formally known as (Chinchilla brevicaudata) and
Chinchilla lanigera (Long-tailed) are the only two recognised species of Chinchilla and are
members of the family Chinchillidae. They are native to the Andes Mountains in South America
where they first appeared around 41 million years ago and were some of the first rodents to arrive
on that continent. They measure around 38 cm long, and weigh around 0.5 to 0.8 kg.

The Chinchillas fur coat is very
dense and soft. They have large black eyes
short oval or rounded ears with a typical
short pointed rodent’s snout. They have
short legs with four toes on each foot
with a thin claw on each toe. Although
both species have a bushy tail, C. chin-
chilla has a shorter tail than C. lanigera,
hence their common names ‘Long
tailed… or Short tailed…’ Other noticea-
ble differences are C. chinchilla is slightly
larger and has a thicker neck and shoul-
ders, and shorter slightly rounded ears.

The Chinchilla’s natural habitat is
the Andes Mountains, and those parts
running through Bolivia and southern Pe-
ru to Chile. It lives at an elevation of
Family: Chinchillidae around 4,270
Genus: Chinchilla metres where it makes its home in burrows or
Short-tailed crevices in rocks, and being a sociable animal
lives in communities referred to as ‘herds’. Liv-
Long-tailed ing at these cold heights its dense fur coat is
essential for its warmth and wellbeing. Howev-
er, it was this silky-to-the-feel fur coat that drew man’s unwelcome at-
tention, and by 1900 he had hunted it to near extinction. Just in time,
the governments of South America, banded the hunting and export of
the Chinchilla’s. However, poaching is still a serious problem and today,
colonies in the wild are known only in Chile. The Chinchilla’s found in
America are the result of an American, named Mathias F. Chapman who
negotiated the legal release of several animals to America. It is the off-
spring of these animals that make up the thriving pet market and fur in-
dustry in America.

Chinchillas are omnivores; meaning they eat both meat and plants. Primarily, they eat a lot
of grass and seed; they also eat a wide range of insects. Bird’s eggs are also on its menu if they are
available. Most of their foraging for food is done in the twilight hours and during the night. The
failing light gives them a bit of protection against their many predators that prey on them, like
birds of prey, skunks, felines, snakes and canines. Chinchillas usually sleep during the day,
though they are known to come out sometimes in daylight hour if it’s a warm sunny day.

These little rodents, have a lovable side to them, they are friendly, like company, are placid
natured and their soft silky fur makes them a pleasure to hold, plus their thick fur is resistant to
parasites, such as fleas. For many people they make the ideal pet. However, having one as a pet,
keep in mind, you may not see it during the day. They usually sleep all
day. They do not like water. They prefer rolling around in a dust bath.
The fine dust, however, does keep their coats remarkably clean. If
you’re thinking about having one of these delightful animals as a pet
you should first read any relevant documents relating to their care.
For instance, these animals do not sweat, and so require a particular
type of habitat, one that can be both cool and warm. They can also live
for a long time. In the wild they live to around 10 years but in captivity
they can live up to 20 years. (See: Rodent)