Least ConcernBurrowing Parrot
Cyanoliseus patagonus
Mammals · Rodentia · Octodontidae
Octodon degus
The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk.
The degu is a hystricomorph rodent endemic to central Chile, related to the chinchillas and guinea pigs. It lives in colonies that dig communal tunnel systems and breed cooperatively: several females share a burrow and suckle the young indiscriminately. It is diurnal, highly vocal, with a repertoire of at least fifteen different calls, and feeds on grasses, seeds and bark. In recent decades it has spread both as a pet and as a laboratory animal.
Weight
170 g – 300 g
Size
25 cm – 31 cm
Life expectancy
7 years
Diet
Herbivore
Feeds mainly on plants.
Activity
Diurnal
Active mainly during the day.
Social structure
Colony
Lives in large concentrations, often for breeding reasons.
Sources consulted: IUCN Red List · Animal Diversity Web · Wikipedia (es)
The pins mark the parks where its presence is documented.
Parks and dive sites where this species has been documented.
Other species in the catalogue with the most in common with Degu — same habitat, park, country, tags or family.
Based on what we already know about degu.
