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Chinchilla: Chinchilla lanigera In the Wild Description: Members of a group of South American mammals known as the Caviomorpha o Group includes varying sized rodent families o Rodents with similar anatomical features and gestation periods Size: Body length of 9-15 inches (225-380 mm) and a tail averaging 3-6 inches (75-150 mm) o Slender bodies Weight: o Females can weigh up to 28.2 ounces (800 grams) o Males can weigh up to 17.6 ounces (500 grams) Sexually dimorphic: Females are typically larger than males Extremely soft, dense fur o As many as 60 hairs grow out of each follicle (compared to humans who have 1 hair growing out of each follicle) o Each hair usually has a black tip o Back is usually bluish, white or brown-grey and belly is yellow-white o Tail is furry with coarse hairs on the dorsal surface Broad head, large ears and large black eyes All 4 feet have 4 digits with stiff bristles surrounding weak claws Habitat and Range: Native to Chile along the foothills of the Andes and coastal mountains, south to Talca Live in barren, rocky, mountainous habitat (elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 meters) Diet: Generally herbivorous: Eat grass, seeds and fruits May also eat insects and bird eggs opportunistically Adaptations: Soft dense fur insulates against the cold of the barren mountainous regions it inhabits Long, strong hind legs and a tail measuring about a third of the size of its body allows for quick and agile running and jumping Long, sensitive whiskers, large eyes and big ears allow for nocturnal lifestyle Bathe in dust because hair is so dense it would be difficult to dry in the wild in their cold habitat Lifespan: Typically live 10-20 years Ecosystem relationships: Predators: Foxes Live in colonies of up to 100 individuals 07/20/2013 The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore Chinchilla: Chinchilla lanigera Reproduction: Female chinchillas are mostly monogamous Female chinchillas are the dominant sex and are very aggressive toward one another and toward males during estrus Sexual maturity in both sexes occurs on average at 8 months but may occur as early as 5.5 months – females have their first litter at an average age of about 1 year 3 months Breeding season occurs between May and November Gestation period averages about 4 months, which is relatively long for a small mammal Relatively advanced young at birth – allows the mother to mate again and bear another litter within the year o Females bear 2 litters per year with 1-6 young per litter o Young are fully furred at birth and their eyes are open o Not much parental care required o Time to weaning is about 2 months Activity: Primarily nocturnal – activity peaks at dusk and dawn Other “fun facts”: While eating chinchillas sit upright on their hind legs and hold their food with their front paws Domestic chinchillas are very social and can be trained to play and interact with their owner o Have good memories and memorize trails o Are shy but very trusting of their owners Despite aggressiveness of female chinchillas, serious fighting in the wild is rare – threats are expressed through growling, chattering of teeth and urinating Conservation Status and Threats: Listed on the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered Species was once widespread but in 1996 only 42 discrete colonies could be found in the wild and the number of colonies and the general population size has been declining since o Population decline of more than 90% over the past 3 generations o Fewer than 10,000 are thought to live in the wild Have been hunted for their fur since the 1900s o Around this time about 500,000 chinchilla skins were exported from Chile annually o Considered to be one of the most valuable pelts in the world o Over 100 chinchilla pelts are needed for one fur coat Habitat is threatened by overgrazing of cattle, mining and firewood extraction Reintroduction attempts have failed 07/20/2013 The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore Chinchilla: Chinchilla lanigera o Possibly because the current numbers are below the minimum population viability size for long-term survival o Predation by foxes has also increased At the Zoo Yum Yum (dark grey) and Snow Queen (white) were donated to the zoo from a private owner in 2008. Yum Yum (mother) was born in 2003 and Snow Queen (daughter) was born in 2006. Both are females weighing 550-650 grams (about 1 pound). What We Can Do Do your research before buying a pet o Make sure you are not purchasing a wild-caught individual o Captive-bred species are often easy to find Opt for fake fur over real fur when buying coats and other clothing and accessories o All of our shopping choices can have an impact on the environment and wildlife so when available opt for recycled and local products o Research responsible companies that do not use animal based products or testing References: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Chinchilla_lanige ra.html http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/4652/0 http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/smallmammals/fact-chinchilla.cfm http://www.arkive.org/long-tailed-chinchilla/chinchilla-lanigera/#text=Conservation MacDonald, D., & Norris, S. (Ed.). (2001). Other Cavy-like Rodents. The encyclopedia of mammals. (1 ed., Vol. 1, pp. 682-684). Oxfordshire, United Kingdom: Andromeda Oxford Ltd. 07/20/2013 The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore