abrocomids

Abrocomids are a family of rodents found in South America, specifically in the Andes Mountains. The family, Abrocomidae, consists of a single genus, Abrocomus, and two extant species: the common abrocome (Abrocomus shiptoni) and the lesser abrocome (Abrocomus cinereus). These animals are commonly known as chinchilla rats or viscachas, though they are not closely related to true chinchillas or viscachas.

Abrocomids are characterized by their relatively stout bodies, short limbs, and long, bushy tails. They have soft, dense fur, which can vary in color from grey to reddish-brown. Their diet consists mainly of grasses, roots, and other vegetation. They are primarily nocturnal and live in burrows, often in rocky areas or grasslands at high altitudes. Socially, abrocomids are known to live in colonies.

The fossil record indicates that abrocomids have a long evolutionary history, with fossil remains found in various South American countries. Their distribution is primarily within the Andean region, ranging from Peru and Bolivia down to Chile and Argentina. Conservation status for the species varies, with some populations facing threats from habitat loss and introduced predators. Research on abrocomids continues to shed light on their ecological roles and evolutionary relationships within the rodent order.