Chinchillas are 25 cm (10 inches) long (not including the tail). Females are larger than males. Large, round eyes and excellent hearing make it possible for them to detect predators like little mammals and birds of prey. They have long whiskers and a bushy tail which is one-third the length of the entire body. Large hind feet enable them to hop around with great agility. The chinchilla sleeps in rock crevices or burrows by day. It also escapes into tiny crevices where predators cannot reach. Nowadays most chinchillas live in captivity because they are almost extinct in their original range.

Chinchilla laniger, Order Rodentia

A female has approximately two litters per year. Newborn chinchillas are weaned at 8 weeks and independent at 12 weeks.

The average life span is 15-20 years in captivitiy.

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Photos, drawings, text: S. Cremer

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