Details
Octodon degus
Degu is a mammal associated with grasslands and deserts. It is herbivorous and social. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Its range is represented here by the Neotropics, where it uses grasslands and deserts. Mobile species may shift habitat use with season, breeding sites, or food availability.
Typical length 25-31 cm, weight 170 g-300 g. It has a small agile rodent-like build, with proportions shaped by its habitat and mode of movement.
It is mostly active by day and social. Spacing, group size, and visibility can change with season, feeding conditions, and breeding activity.
It is herbivorous. Food choice and foraging style are tied to life in grasslands and deserts, so movements often follow available food resources.
As a mammal, it gives birth to live young, and the mother nurses them in cover or within the social group.
Recorded scientifically as Octodon degus. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters. In this guide, size, habitat, and activity pattern are useful first clues for recognition.
