Viscachas are a type of rodent native to South America. They belong to the Chinchillidae family, which also includes chinchillas. Viscachas possess a robust body, often with soft, dense fur, and they have long hind limbs that enable them to move efficiently across their diverse environments.
Geographical Distribution of Viscachas
Viscachas are found across a wide expanse of South America, primarily inhabiting the southern and central regions of the continent. Their distribution includes countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru. They live in environments ranging from the high-altitude Andean mountains to the expansive lowland plains.
The general types of landscapes where viscachas reside include the arid and semi-arid regions of the Andes, the flat, grassy plains known as the Pampas, and the Patagonian steppes. Some populations also extend into the Chaco plains.
Specific Habitats of Different Viscacha Species
The Plains Viscacha, scientifically known as Lagostomus maximus, primarily inhabits the flat, grassy plains of central and northern Argentina, extending into parts of Paraguay and southeastern Bolivia. The Plains Viscacha relies heavily on elaborate underground burrow systems, which are a defining characteristic of its habitat use.
Mountain Viscachas, belonging to the genus Lagidium, occupy high-altitude, rocky environments within the Andes Mountains. The Southern Mountain Viscacha (Lagidium viscacia) is distributed across the Andes of Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. These viscachas are typically found in rocky outcrops, scree slopes, and high-altitude grasslands, often at elevations between 2,500 and 5,000 meters.
The Northern Mountain Viscacha (Lagidium peruanum) also favors high Andean habitats, primarily in Peru and northern Chile, with some populations potentially present in Bolivia. This species is found at elevations ranging from 300 to 5,000 meters, typically between the tree line and the snow line, making its home in rock crevices. Wolffsohn’s Mountain Viscacha (Lagidium wolffsohni) has a more restricted range, found in specific rocky areas of southwestern Argentina and adjacent Chile, at altitudes up to approximately 4,000 meters.
Life Within Their Chosen Environments
Viscachas exhibit distinct behaviors and adaptations that allow them to thrive within their chosen environments. Plains Viscachas, for instance, construct complex and extensive burrow systems called “vizcacheras”. These communal burrows can span large areas, sometimes covering hundreds of square meters with multiple entrances, and provide shelter from predators and harsh weather conditions. They mark these entrances with piles of various objects, including sticks, stones, and bones.
Mountain Viscachas, in contrast, utilize the natural rocky terrain for their survival. They are agile climbers, adept at navigating cliffs and rock formations, which serve as their primary refuge from predators. These species often spend parts of their day sunbathing on rocks and use rock crevices and tunnels for shelter at night.
The vegetation found in viscacha habitats serves as their main food source. Plains Viscachas primarily consume grasses and seeds, though they are opportunistic and will eat other plants. Mountain Viscachas feed on the sparse plant material available in their high-altitude environments, including grasses, mosses, and lichens. Both types of viscachas have adaptations, such as deriving water from their diet, which allows them to survive in arid conditions.
Social structures also relate to their habitat use. Plains Viscachas live in large, colonial groups within their communal burrow systems, which can consist of dozens of individuals. Mountain Viscachas tend to live in smaller family units or groups, utilizing the scattered rocky shelters. Both types communicate through vocalizations, including alarm calls, to warn group members of potential threats.