the machu picchu arboreal chinchilla rat is a large rodent found in elevated ranges of south america. little is known about this reclusive rodent; they had previously been assumed to have gone extinct before rediscovery in 2016. their name is derived from a short, stocky rat-like shape, with chinchilla-like fur. it’s believed that the species may be more closely related to degus than chinchillas. at this time, conservation status for the species is unknown, as there is little information about their populations.
also, the park ranger who rediscovered them with his new buddy:
