Mountain Viscacha
Lagidium viscacia
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Rodentia · Chinchillidae
About
The southern viscacha is a species of viscacha, a rodent in the family Chinchillidae found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. It is a colonial animal living in small groups in rocky mountain areas. It has long ears and hind legs and resembles a rabbit in appearance apart from its long, bushy tail; however, it is not a lagomorph.
Fun Fact
The average lifespan is unknown, but one individual survived for 19 years in captivity.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Native to the mountainous parts of western Argentina, southern Peru, western and central Bolivia, and northern and central Chile.
Diet
Feed on what plant material is available, which is mostly grasses and moss, and it also eats lichens.
Lifespan
19 years (captivity)
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance