Viscacha, << vihs KA chuh, >> is a large South American rodent. There are several species (kinds) of viscacha.
The plains viscacha
lives on Argentina’s scrubland and grasslands—known as the Pampas. It has a large, blunt head, with broad black and white stripes on its face. Long, coarse guard hairs cover the soft underfur. The male reaches about 20 inches (50 centimeters) long, excluding the tail. It can weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms). It is usually about twice as heavy as the female. The plains viscacha is active at night. It lives in large groups in extensive burrow systems. Farmers consider the plains viscacha a pest because the burrows damage farmland. It also eats grass, competing with cattle. 
Mountain viscachas
live in the Andes Mountains from Peru to Chile. They have soft fur and often a dark stripe along the back. Mountain viscachas measure about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 centimeters) long. They shelter in burrows and rock crevices. 
