Mountain Degu
Octodontomys gliroides
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Rodentia · Octodontidae
About
The mountain degu, also known as the Andean degu, is a species of rodent in the family Octodontidae. It is the only species in the genus Octodontomys. It is a medium-sized rodent with long, silky grey-brown fur, large grey ears, and white-furred chin and underparts. It is found in the foothills of the Andes in Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, and closely resembles the mountain viscacha rat and viscacha rats in the genus Tympanoctomys, all of which are found in Argentina. It is an herbivore, and eats grasses, leaves, bark, and cacti. The mountain degu gets most of its water from eating the tissues of prickly pear cactuses and cactuses in the genus Cereus.
Fun Fact
It has a wide altitudinal range, occurring at 200 to 300 metres (660 to 980 ft) in Jujuy Province in Argentina, and up to 4,400 metres (14,400 ft) in Potosí Department in Bolivia.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in the mountainous areas of southwestern Bolivia, northwestern Argentina and northern Chile.
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance