By Juwan Brooks
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Common Name Is: Chinchilla
Scientific Name Is:Cuscomys ashaninka
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They are native to the high Andes.
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The skin is gray and furry with a silky texture.
 Chinchillas are about the size of a guinea pig.
 They to be about 20 years old and start reproducing at 4
months.
 Chinchillas live in burrows or crevices in rocks.
 Predators in the wild include birds of prey, skunks, felines,
snakes and canines.
 They eat plants, fruits, seeds, and small insects.
 Chinchillas native environment is a cool, dry region (the constant
temperature is 50°F to 55°F).
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They live in clans of 100.
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They are usually the prey of other animals.
 The litter size ranges from 1-6.
 They can reproduce every November-May.
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When attacked they can release urine and fur to ward of predators.
Chinchilla fur is considered the softest in the world and is thirty times
softer than human hair.
 Chinchillas must regularly bathe in dust or volcanic ash to remove oil
and moisture that gathers in their thick fur.
 They are agile jumpers and can jump up to five feet above their
head.
 Their teeth grow continuously throughout their lifetime so it's important that
they have wood and other materials to wear them down on.
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Because they have been hunted to near extinction due to their beautiful
coats, the fur is incredibly soft and thick to make coats and boots.
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Japan is a major market for Chinchillas fur.
 Also people make lots of money off of there fur.
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Anyone caught killing Chinchillas are charged
with a crime.
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Also they are sold in pet stores to help keep them
from being killed in the wild.
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Where are Chinchillas found.
What do they eat.
What do they bathe in.
Why are they endangered.
What is the Scientific name.