hýsila

Hýsila is a genus of South American rodents belonging to the family Chinchillidae. The genus currently contains three living species: the plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus), and two species of mountain viscacha, also known as chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera and Chinchilla chinchilla). These animals are native to the arid and semi-arid regions of the Andes Mountains and surrounding areas.

Viscachas are social animals, typically living in large colonies. They are herbivores, feeding on grasses, roots, and other vegetation. Mountain viscachas are known for their extremely soft and dense fur, which was historically prized by humans for clothing, leading to significant population declines in the wild. This fur is an adaptation to the cold, high-altitude environments they inhabit.

Plains viscachas are larger than mountain viscachas and are found in grasslands and scrublands of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. They are known for constructing complex burrow systems. Mountain viscachas, on the other hand, inhabit rocky outcrops and cliffs at high elevations.

The conservation status of the species varies. The plains viscacha is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, while the two mountain viscacha species, Chinchilla lanigera and Chinchilla chinchilla, are listed as Endangered and Critically Endangered, respectively, primarily due to historical overhunting and habitat loss. Efforts are in place to protect wild populations and promote captive breeding programs for the endangered species.