Chinchillas are two species of crepuscular rodents, slightly larger and more robust than ground squirrels. source
Chinchillas are two species of crepuscular rodents, slightly larger and more robust than ground squirrels.
Chinchillas are native to the Andes mountains in South America and live in colonies called "herds" at high elevations up to 4,270 m (14,000 ft). source
Chinchillas are native to the Andes mountains in South America and live in colonies called "herds" at high elevations up to 4,270 m (14,000 ft).
The chinchilla (whose name literally means "clay") has the second-densest fur of any land mammal. source
The chinchilla (whose name literally means "clay") has the second-densest fur of any land mammal.
Most chinchillas currently used by the fur industry for clothing and other accessories are farm-raised. source
Most chinchillas currently used by the fur industry for clothing and other accessories are farm-raised.
By the end of the 19th century, chinchillas had become quite rare due to hunting for their ultra-soft fur. source
By the end of the 19th century, chinchillas had become quite rare due to hunting for their ultra-soft fur.
The two living species of chinchilla are Chinchilla chinchilla(formerly known as Chinchilla brevicaudata) and Chinchilla lanigera. source
The two living species of chinchilla are Chinchilla chinchilla(formerly known as Chinchilla brevicaudata) and Chinchilla lanigera.
Chinchillas occupied the coastal regions, hills, and mountains of Chile, Peru, Argentina, and Bolivia. source
Chinchillas occupied the coastal regions, hills, and mountains of Chile, Peru, Argentina, and Bolivia.
Chinchillas have a variety of defensive tactics, including spraying urine and releasing fur if bitten. source
Chinchillas have a variety of defensive tactics, including spraying urine and releasing fur if bitten.
In nature, chinchillas live in social groups that resemble colonies, but are properly called herds. source
In nature, chinchillas live in social groups that resemble colonies, but are properly called herds.
The international trade in chinchilla fur goes back to the 16th century. source
The international trade in chinchilla fur goes back to the 16th century.
chinchillas should only be purchased by experienced pet owners who are aware of their needs. source
chinchillas should only be purchased by experienced pet owners who are aware of their needs.
In their native habitats, chinchillas live in burrows or crevices in rocks. source
In their native habitats, chinchillas live in burrows or crevices in rocks.
Domesticated chinchillas are still bred for fur. source
Domesticated chinchillas are still bred for fur.
Along with their relatives, viscachas, they make up the family Chinchillidae. source
Along with their relatives, viscachas, they make up the family Chinchillidae.
The severe population decline has been caused by chinchilla hunting by humans. Until 1996, they were listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. source
The severe population decline has been caused by chinchilla hunting by humans. Until 1996, they were listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.