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Degu

Range:

Found in South America from sea level to about 10,000 feet.

Habitat:

Coastal plains and lowlands

Characteristics:

Degus are robust rodents that have long silky coats. They are Grey to brown above, creamy yellow or white below. They have broad well-developed incisors.

Degu   Click to View Bigger Picture
Behavior:

Degus live in large groups and make their homes in rocks or hedges. Nests and storage for food are usually dug nder rocks. Degus are avid nest builders and spend alot of their time making twig piles. Status within the degu community is thought to depend on the size of their respective twig piles.


Reproduction:

Gestation lasts about 90 days. On average, 1 - 8 degu young are born.

Degu   Click to View Bigger Picture
Range
Class: Mammalia
Genus: Octodon
Species: degus
Length: 5-8 inches; tail: 1.5-7 inches
Average Lifespan: 15
Wild Diet: Bulbs, tubers, bark and cactus
USFWS Status: Not Listed
CITES Status: Not Listed
Where at the Zoo? Small Animal Building: Temperate Zone


Learn more about mammals or animals from South America!
Or, cross-reference the two!

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