Lagidium viscacia (Molina, 1782)

Scientific Name and Pelage Overview

The southern viscacha, scientifically named Lagidium viscacha (Molina, 1782), has yellowish-grey fur on its upper body and paler fur on its underparts, with a bushy tail that ends in a black tip.

Its body fur is long and soft, while the fur covering its tail is coarse.

Ear Characteristics

It has long, fur-covered ears edged with a white fringe.

Limb and Digit Structure

Both its short front legs and longer hind legs have four digits on each foot.

Foot Pads

The soles of its feet have fleshy pads called "pallipes", which allow it to move nimbly over rocky surfaces.

Adult Weight

An adult southern viscacha weighs approximately 3 kg (6.6 lb).

Climbing Ability

It is a skilled climber, able to easily climb vertical rock faces.

Leaping Capabilities

It can leap distances of five meters or more, and can jump downward over fifteen meters.

Jumping Behavior

It often makes these jumps from small ledges where it can barely stand to relatively narrow rock outcroppings.

Geographic Range

The southern viscacha is native to mountainous areas of western Argentina, southern Peru, western and central Bolivia, and northern and central Chile.

Habitat and Elevation Range

It makes its home among rocks and around crags in areas with sparse vegetation, and occurs at elevations ranging from about 700 to 5,100 m (2,300 to 16,700 ft) above sea level.