THE ANDEAN VISCACHA.

Viscachas are a type of mountain rodents that are found at elevations from about 3,000 to 5,000 meters (13,000 to 16,000 ft) in the Andes Mountains, ranging from Central and Southern Peru, Central Bolivia, Northern and Central Chile, and in Western Argentina. It is quite unusual for a rodent to stray from underground burrows, but the animal has learned to transcend its inferior digging abilities and take advantage of its expert climbing skills.
Viscachas makes their home in larger, rugged and steeper portions of crevices in the rocky cliffs  in various mountainous habitats where suitable rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation are found. This preference is driven by a need to avoid predators, as land-based Andean mountain cats and aerial type of predators are more easily evaded on a steep slope. For this reason the rodent rarely ventures far from their habitats.
Viscachas run and leap among the rocks with incredible agility. They are able to jump from rock to rock with such ease and speed, that it is hard for the human eye to follow. With a body length of 1 to 2 feet and an average weight of 3 kilograms (6.6 lb), they are relatively large rodents, yet small in comparison to their carnivorous neighbors -the Puma and the Fox. These two by instinct are fierce predators, but the Viscacha has its own advantages: dexterity, speed, loud warning calls, and a home immerse in boulders and rocks.
Viscachas have thick, soft pelage, except on their tails where it is coarse. Their coloring typically shows dark gray or brown on top and white, yellow, or gray in the underside. Overall the rodent looks like a rabbit, however, their long bushy tail is a distinguish trait unique to its kind. This tail not only serves as species indicator, but can also tell if the animal is feeling anxious or relaxed: the tail is extended when the animal is in distress and curled when it is an easy. They have long, fur covered ears, edged with a fringe of white fur. All feet have four digits.
Viscachas are diurnal and most active near sunrise and sunset and sleep at night. They emerge from the clefts and crevices they colonizes, to forage for food. The rodent is herbivore and feeds on a wide variety of plant material, including grasses, mosses, roots and seeds. They are reputed to eat just any plant they encounter.
Viscachas like to bask in the sun while sitting erect on their hindquarters, and spend hours of the day on perches, grooming and sunning themselves. They do not hibernate.
Like all mountain viscachas, the rodent is a gregarious species that forms small to a very large colonies, comprising one or more family groups. It can range from a few individuals to hundreds. To keep up with the colony chatter, they have acquired an impressive repertoire of vocalizations that are use in social interactions. This vocalizations resonate with plenty of strength, even though they are small animals.
Viscachas breeding time usually takes place during October and November. Females have a short gestation period that only last about 4 to 5 months. At this time, the female gives birth to one fully developed offspring. Because the newborns are developed, the young are weaned at only 2 months. However, at two months the rodents are still very small and vulnerable, which makes colony living a necessity.