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Chinchillidae - Chinchillas, Viscachas

There are seven species in this family. They are all found in South America.

They have thick, very soft fur; large ears; big eyes; and bushy tails. Their hind legs are longer than their front legs.

They live in colonies. Most species, except for the plains viscacha, live in rocky crevices or burrows in the mountains. Plains viscachas live on the plains and dig burrows.

  • The southern mountain viscacha is found in Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Southern Mountain Viscacha
    (Lagidium viscacia)
    The southern mountain viscacha is found in Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • Wolffsohn's viscacha is found in Argentina and Chile. IUCN Redlist Status: Deficient Data
    Wolffsohn's Viscacha
    (Lagidium wolffsohni)
    Wolffsohn's viscacha is found in Argentina and Chile. IUCN Redlist Status: Deficient Data
  • The plains viscacha is found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Plains Viscacha
    (Lagostomus maximus)
    The plains viscacha is found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern

Did You Know?

The southern mountain viscacha, like the othwr species in this family, has thick, very soft fur; large ears; big eyes; and a bushy tail.
The southern mountain viscacha, like the othwr species in this family, has thick, very soft fur; large ears; big eyes; and a bushy tail.

World Status Key

Status and range is taken from IUCN Redlist

Least Concern
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Extinct
Not Enough Data

U.S. Status Key

Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife

Threatened in US
Endangered in US
Introduced

NH Status Key

Status taken from NH Fish and Game

Threatened in NH
Endangered in NH
Breeds in NH (birds)

Location Key

Africa
Asia
Australia/Oceania
Europe
North/Central America
south america alt
South America

New Hampshire Species

No animals found.

Other Species Around the World

No animals found.

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