Common Name: Chinchilla
Scientific Name: Chinchilla lanigera (domesticated species), Chinchilla chinchilla (short-tailed, endangered wild species)
Family: Chinchillidae (related to viscachas and degus)
Origin/Range: Andes Mountains of South America (Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina)
Habitat: Rocky, arid mountain slopes and burrows at high elevations (up to 4,200 m / 13,800 ft)
Size: 22–38 cm (9–15 in) body length, tail 7.5–15 cm (3–6 in)
Weight: 400–800 g (0.9–1.7 lbs); domesticated chinchillas often heavier
Build: Compact, rounded body with short forelimbs and strong hind legs (good jumpers)
Fur:
Extremely dense—up to 50–80 hairs per follicle (vs 1 hair in humans)
Soft, silky, and insulating against cold mountain climates
Colors: wild type is bluish-gray; domesticated varieties include white, beige, ebony, violet, and mosaic
Lifespan: 8–10 years in the wild; 12–20 years in captivity (with proper care)
Activity: Crepuscular/nocturnal (active at dawn/dusk/night)
Social Structure: Naturally live in colonies (herds) of up to 100 in the wild
Personality: Curious, playful, agile, and intelligent; can be shy at first but bond with humans
Locomotion: Excellent jumpers—can leap 1.8 m (6 ft) high
Grooming: Take dust baths (volcanic ash/dust) several times per week to keep fur clean and dry
Type: Herbivores (hindgut fermenters)
Foods:
Wild diet: grasses, seeds, roots, bark, and cactus
Captive diet: high-quality hay (timothy or orchard), chinchilla pellets, occasional dried herbs or rose hips
Avoid: Sugary fruits, nuts, fatty foods—can cause digestive issues
Mating System: Usually monogamous in captivity; polygamous in wild colonies
Breeding Season: Typically November–May (in the wild)
Gestation Period: ~111 days (long for rodents)
Litter Size: 1–6 kits (average 2)
Young: Born fully furred and with eyes open; very precocial and active within hours
Predators: Birds of prey, foxes, wild cats, snakes
Conservation Status:
Chinchilla chinchilla (short-tailed): Critically Endangered
Chinchilla lanigera (long-tailed): Endangered in the wild, but common in captivity
Main Threats:
Fur trade (once hunted nearly to extinction for pelts)
Habitat loss and degradation
Low reproductive rate
In the Fur Industry: Once prized as one of the softest, most luxurious furs in the world
As Pets: Popular exotic pets—require large cages, climbing structures, cool environments, and dust baths
In Research: Occasionally used in auditory studies due to excellent hearing range
Care Needs in Captivity:
Sensitive to heat—must be kept below 25°C (77°F)
Need chewing items (wood, safe toys) to wear down teeth, which grow continuously
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