Pets and Animals World

Chinchilla is a common name for rodents found in the Andes at altitudes of about 3000 to 5000 m (about 10,000 to 16,000 ft). Chinchilla has been internationally prized for its luxuriously soft fur. Chinchilla got its name from the Chincha Indians, who used the chinchilla for food and clothing. With short front legs chinchillas hold the roots and grasses on which they feed; the long hind legs enable the animals to hop about with great agility. Females produce an average of two to three offspring per litter, and may produce two litters in a single year.