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Chinchilla Server
There are about 6 species in this family which is found only in South America. All species
have dense, beautiful fur, and the importance of the Chinchillas, in particular, to the fur trade
has led to their becoming relatively endangered as a wild species.
The hind limbs of the Chinchillidae are longer than their forelimbs, and the animals are good
at running and leaping; they are also good climbers. They feed on plants, including roots and
tubers, and their cheek teeth grow throughout life. Social animals, they live in small family
groups which are part of larger colonies. Where the ground is suitable, they dig burrows, but
otherwise they shelter under rocks.
Chinchillas are attractive animals, with long ears, large eyes and bushy tails. They live in
colonies of 100 or more, sheltering in holes and crevices in rocks. They feed on available
vegetation, sitting up to eat and holding their fod in their front paws.
Female chinchillas are larger than males and are agressive toward one another. They breed
in winter, usually producing two litters of 1 - 6 young. the gestation period is 111 days, and
the young are suckled for 6 - 8 weeks.
The Chinchilla's exceedingly soft, dense coat is the cause of it's present extreme rarity in the
wild, although it is now farmed all over the world for it's valuable fur.
found in an encyclopedia by
Vera Langenbahn
- 09/11/95