It is an herbivorous species and is found near water that offers better vegetation than the drier regions within its habitat.

L. viscacia inhabits rocky mountain areas, as well as rock outcrops in steppe habitat.

They rarely venture away from rocks which provide a means for escape from both aerial and terrestrial predators.

[5] Members of this species are medium- to large-sized rodents that also look remarkably like a long-tailed rabbit.

The color of its fur varies seasonally and with age, but generally the upper parts are grey to brown, with tints of cream and black, while the underparts are pale yellow or tan.

[7] However, contrary to the former statement, it has been stated elsewhere that they have pale yellow or grey upper parts, and a black tail tip.

Both female and male sexual maturities are reached after one year and weaning has been found to occur after 59 days.

The young are born fully furred, with their eyes open, and are able to eat solid food on their first day of life.

Besides being the chief food source of the Andean mountain cat, the southern viscacha is often hunted for its meat and fur, but it is still a very common species.