Chinchilla ( Chinchilla laniger )
Chinchilla - Chinchilla information - Chinchilla facts
The Chinchilla is a tiny, cute animal living in South America from Bolivia to Chile in the Andes Mountains. There it inhabits rocky-mountains and semi-deserts. It lives above 3 000 meters (10 000 feet) above the sea level. It has got grayish dense fur coat which keeps it warm even in those hard weather conditions and low temperatures. It is above 22 cm (9 inches) long and weighs about 1 kg (2.2 lb). The females are generally larger than males. Its thin tail is approximately 10 cm long.
The chinchilla feeds on grass and herbs. There is so little water in such heights, that its water supplies mainly comes from the food. The female chinchilla gives birth three times per year. The young ones are active one hour after the birth. Nowadays the chinchilla’s fur is extremely valuable item. Its fur is not only very beautiful, but it is also dense, light and keeps you warm. A huge number of chinchillas are killed every year because of their fur. Chinchilla’s longevity in wild is up to 10 years.
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