Guinea Pig (Mirabelle)

Description:

The guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), also called the cavy, is a species of rodent belonging to the family Caviidae and the genus Cavia. Despite their common name, these animals are not in the pig family, nor are they from Guinea. They originated in the Andes, and earlier studies based on biochemistry and hybridization suggested they are domesticated descendants of a closely related species of cavy such as Cavia aperea, C. fulgida, or C. tschudii and, therefore, do not exist naturally in the wild. Recent studies applying molecular markers, in addition to studying the skull and skeletal morphology of current and mummified animals, revealed that the ancestor is most likely Cavia tschudii.

Habitat:

My home, Germany

Notes:

One of my Guinea Pigs, Mirabelle..She suddenly died in the beginning of 2011 and is missed sadly by the other Piggies and me.. :( On the second picture they were in the garden.. The other Guinea Pig is Pebbles, her friend...