Hobbies And Interests
Habitat
The short-tailed Chinchilla is found is found in the countries of Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. They make their home at higher elevations in mountainous shrub areas and grasslands in both temperate and terrestrial habitats. The short-tailed Chinchilla makes its den in rocks crevices, is primarily a nocturnal creature and feeds on vegetation in its range. In dryer habitats, the short-tailed Chinchilla relies on morning dew and cactuses for water.
Food Sources
Since short-tailed Chinchillas rely on vegetation for food, its habitat must consistently supply enough vegetation to support its survival. Without a surplus of grasses and shrubs, the short-tailed chinchilla cannot survive. It may resort to eating insects, but vegetation is its primary source of food. In dryer climates, cactuses are important as well. If the range of the short-tailed chinchilla does not have enough cactuses to support the populations, they may die from lack of water.
Predators
Predators are an important biotic factor of many mammals and this is no different that the short-tailed chinchilla. Short-tailed chinchilla usually come out at night, but so do many of its predators. The short-tailed chinchilla must deal with a host of predators, including owls and various canines. Foxes are a well-established nemesis for the short-tailed chinchilla, while owls give them quite a few problems as well.
Humans
Humans, however, are the most devastating biotic factor for short-tailed chinchillas. Once appearing in abundance, short-tailed chinchillas are now rare and on the verge of extinction. Human beings hunt the short-tailed chinchilla for economic reasons due to the value attached to its fur. They are found in captivity, however, raised specifically to feed the economic agenda of selling pelts and sometimes as pets.