Chinchilla
by Chuck Ripper
Title
Chinchilla
Artist
Chuck Ripper
Medium
Painting - Gouache Water Color On Cold Press Illustration Board
Description
Chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) are small rodents that live in loose communities in arid regions of South America's Andes Mountains. Primarily vegetarian, chinchillas feed in the morning and evening hours on steppe grasses, fruits, seeds, leaves, bark and moss. Litters consist of two to three young that are born covered with soft, dense fur ranging in color from bluish gray to brownish gray. Up to 60 hairs grow from each follicle, enabling Chinchillas to survive their rugged environment's harsh climate. Chinchilla fur is also highly valued by man. Clothing made from the sumptuous, thick fur was originally worn by Inca royalty. As garments made from their luxurious fur became fashionable, Chinchilla populations were rapidly depleted. The first Chinchilla furs appeared on the European market in the 16th century. By the 18th and 19th centuries, these furs were in high demand. Between 1840 and 1916 over 20 million pelts were exported fromChile alone. The Chinchilla was subsequently hunted to the brink of extinction. Modern attempts to restock Chinchillas in the wild have been largely unsuccessful. As a result, almost all Chinchilla fur used in clothing today is raised commercially. Livestock grazing, wood collection and mining threaten the Chinchilla's last remaining habitats. Fully protected in all countries where the species occurs, the Chinchilla is included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.
Artwork Copyright © 1999 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB16343
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April 14th, 2022
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