The vizcacha de la sierra, mountain vizcacha or viscaya (Lagidium viscacia) is a species of histricomorph rodent of the family Chinchillidae that inhabits South America. It is related to the pampas vizcacha (Lagostomus maximus) and chinchillas. Like the rest of the vizcachas, it has a thick and soft coat, except for the tail, where it is hard. Its upper part is yellow or gray and the tip of the tail is black. In general, the viscacha resembles rabbits. It has long fur-covered ears, fringed with a fringe of white fur. All legs have four toes. It measures between 60 cm and 80 cm.
- Conservation Status : Least concern
- Habitat : Grasslands, Paramo (High-altitude Grassland)
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Chinchillidae
- Genus: Lagidium
Diet
The viscacha's diet is based on ichu (paja brava or ichu straw).
Colors
Reddish, white, gray, black
Fun Facts
Mountain vizcachas live in rugged rocky regions with sparse vegetation. They have a gestation period of 120 to 135 days.
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