Southern viscacha
A species of Mountain viscachas, Also known as Northern mountain viscacha, Northern viscacha Scientific name : Lagidium viscacia Genus : Mountain viscachas
Southern viscacha, A species of Mountain viscachas
Also known as:
Northern mountain viscacha, Northern viscacha
Scientific name: Lagidium viscacia
Genus: Mountain viscachas
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Clinamen - Arica , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The southern viscacha has yellowish-grey upperparts, paler underparts, and a black-tipped, bushy tail. The body fur is long and soft, while that on the tail is coarse. The long, fur-covered ears have a white fringe and both the short front legs and longer hind legs have four digits on the feet. The soles of the feet have fleshy pads called "pallipes" and they can move about with agility over rocky surfaces. The weight of an adult southern viscacha is about 3 kg (6.6 lb).
General Info
Lifespan
10-12 years
Diet
Southern viscacha is a herbivorous animal primarily feeding on various plant species, including grasses, lichens, and mosses. Notably, it predilectes tender shoots, plants rich in water content, and succulent leaves.
Appearance
Southern viscacha is a medium-sized rodent with a slender body and thick fur. Its coloration varies from grey to brown, often with a ruddy or cinnamon tone, darker along the back and lighter on the underside. Prominent features include large rounded ears, big eyes, and a long, bushy tail. Adults typically have a more intense coloration than younger individuals. There's little apparent variation between genders or subspecies.
Behavior
Southern viscacha is a distantly social, crepuscular herbivore that forages in the early morning and evening hours. It displays an incredible agility, leaping across rocky terrain in its high-altitude habitats. Its skittish nature and excellent hearing help it evade predators, while scent marking communicates territorial boundaries.
Population
Stable
Photo By Clinamen - Arica , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Gnawing mammals Family
Chinchillas and viscachas Genus
Mountain viscachas Species
Southern viscacha