In the arid highlands of the Andes, a small figure emerges between two rocks. Ears upright, body still, it blends into the landscape. You have to slow down your gaze to see it. The viscacha doesn’t seek attention yet it is always alert. Found both in the Andes and in the plains of Argentina, this discreet rodent lives at the pace of wind, cold, and crevices.
Article by Damien Lafon Photographs by Svetlana Markoff
The Andean Viscacha: A Rodent With a Distinct Identity
Often mistaken for a mountain rabbit, the viscacha is actually a rodent and a cousin of the chinchilla. It belongs to the Chinchillidae family. Two species are mostly known: the mountain viscacha (Lagidium viscacia) and the plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus). The former lives among the rocky heights of Peru to northern Argentina, while the latter prefers the dry grasslands of central Argentina. Though they differ slightly in appearance, both species share a key trait: a remarkable ability to adapt to extreme environments.
Viscacha’s Lifestyle: Between Stillness and Vigilance
The viscacha is a crepuscular animal. It emerges at sunrise or sunset, depending on temperature. The rest of the time, it stays hidden or briefly appears to warm up. When visible, it seems to be meditating but in fact, it is watching. It feeds mostly on herbs, lichens, roots, and moss. Not a picky eater, it consumes what the dry landscape provides. It lives in groups, sometimes in colonies. Individuals communicate through sharp whistles and swift movements. The young play, while the adults stay alert.
The Mountain Viscacha: Master of the Andean Heights
At over 4,000 meters above sea level, the mountain viscacha moves between rocks. It jumps from stone to stone, climbs steep slopes, and hides in cracks. Its thick fur protects it from the cold. Its long, strong hind legs allow for agile jumps, and its wide footpads grip uneven surfaces. It doesn’t hibernate but adapts its activity according to the season. During freezing nights, it huddles with others inside rock shelters.
The Plains Viscacha: An Underground Architect
Less well-known than its mountain cousin, the plains viscacha has a complex social structure. It lives in burrows dug into the ground, forming actual underground villages. Each burrow can shelter dozens of individuals. Burrow entrances are often surrounded by small mounds of dirt, showing signs of constant activity. Sometimes, plant debris and stored items are seen near them. Some researchers speak of a primitive form of material culture, given how organized these structures appear.
Did you know?
Some viscachas live at altitudes above 5,000 meters in conditions similar to those experienced by mountaineers.
Physiological Adaptations to Harsh Environments
The viscacha has evolved in dry, windy, cold, or scorching environments, depending on the season. Its body is built for endurance. It features:
- Efficient high-altitude respiration
- Stable body temperature despite thermal shifts
- Insulating, self-cleaning fur
- Slow, energy-saving digestion ideal for nutrient-poor plants
Every aspect of its anatomy meets the challenges of its environment. Its strategy: don’t waste energy.
The Ecological Role of the Viscacha in Andean Ecosystems
The viscacha plays a discreet but meaningful role. By digging, it aerates the soil. By feeding, it helps regulate plant populations. It also transports seeds, aiding plant dispersion. Moreover, it serves as prey for several predators: eagles, foxes, and pumas. Its presence in an ecosystem often signals a form of ecological stability.
Threats to the Viscacha and Its Habitat
Though the viscacha isn’t listed as endangered by the IUCN, its habitat is changing. In the plains, livestock overgrazing depletes vegetation. In the Andes, mining, road expansion, and tourism reduce its retreat zones. In some regions, it is still hunted, though less than before. Its fur and meat were once sought after. Today, the loss of habitat is the main concern for scientists.
A Presence in Andean Stories
In Andean communities, the viscacha appears in oral traditions. Its quiet presence is often read as a sign. It is seen as an attentive animal, able to vanish at the slightest threat. Some see it as a protector of sacred places or a silent messenger from the wild. It symbolizes patience, discretion, and a deep connection to a harsh but vibrant land. These cultural interpretations echo scientific observations: the viscacha is an indicator species, a witness, a quiet guardian.
Did you know?
Viscacha burrows sometimes shelter other animals reptiles or birds that benefit from these ready-made shelters.
Viscacha and Modern Observation: What It Teaches Us
Studying the viscacha means entering a different timescale. It’s not a spectacular animal, but one that belongs to the slow cycles of nature. In a world where speed and visibility dominate, it reminds us that other forms of presence exist. Researchers continue to observe its behavior to better understand changes in Andean ecosystems. The viscacha still holds many secrets.
Learning to See and Listen to the Stones
The viscacha does not reveal itself easily. One must stop, observe, and let the landscape reclaim its rhythm. This quiet rodent is one of the many faces of nature that does not shout but acts. It inhabits rocks as others inhabit cities. And it watches silently.
On a ridge or in a plain, when the wind rises, it may be there. A sharp gaze, a quiet breath, a sudden leap… The viscacha reminds us that balance often lies in what makes no sound.
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