(Octodon degus), a mammal of the family Octodontidae of the order Rodentia. In outward appearance and measurements (length of body, 15 cm, and length of tail, 12 cm) it resembles the brown rat. Its body is covered with thick, coarse fur of a muddy brown color. The degu inhabits bush thickets in South America (Chile, Peru, and Bolivia). It digs elaborate burrows and climbs bushes and trees well. In some areas it causes damage to orchards, vegetable gardens, and plantations.