chinchillas

Chinchillas are rodents in the family Chinchillidae, native to the Andes of western South America. The two living species are the long-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) and the short-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla chinchilla). They are renowned for very dense, soft fur, among the densest of any land mammal.

In the wild they inhabit rocky, arid highlands, often in colonies. They have large ears, a compact body, and a long tail. Their fur provides insulation in cold habitats, and they groom to keep it clean; they also rely on dust baths to maintain coat condition.

Diet is high-fiber plant material, mainly grasses and hay. In captivity they are fed good-quality hay, specialized pellets, and fresh water, with limited greens and no sugary treats.

Behaviorally, chinchillas are crepuscular or nocturnal and social, forming groups in the wild and pairs or small colonies in captivity. They are generally gentle but can be shy, and require careful handling and a safe, roomy enclosure.

Reproduction includes a gestation of about 105 days with litters typically one to two kits. Weaning occurs around six to eight weeks. Sexual maturity is usually reached at eight to twelve months.

Conservation: Chinchillas were heavily hunted for fur in the past, causing sharp declines. They are now protected in many areas; both species are considered threatened in the wild. Captive breeding contributes to their numbers, though habitat preservation remains important.