Quick answer
Guinea Pigs are native to South America. Domesticated from wild cavies of the Andes; kept as pets and livestock worldwide, with feral populations in some temperate regions.
Native range
Domesticated from wild cavies of the Andes; kept as pets and livestock worldwide, with feral populations in some temperate regions.
Continents and countries
Guinea Pigs occur across South America. Local populations depend on intact habitat, prey or food plants, and freedom from persecution.
Habitat types
Domestic worldwide; wild cavies in South America provide shelter and feeding grounds. Seasonal movement may follow rains, prey migrations, or breeding cycles.
Range changes
Historic range may exceed current distribution. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate shifts continue to affect where guinea pigs persist today.
FAQs
Where do guinea pigs live in the wild?
Domesticated from wild cavies of the Andes; kept as pets and livestock worldwide, with feral populations in some temperate regions.
What do guinea pigs eat?
They feed on herbivore — hay, fresh vegetables, and guinea-pig pellets with vitamin c, varying by season and local habitat.
Are guinea pigs endangered?
Guinea Pigs are listed as Domesticated on the IUCN Red List.
How big is a guinea pig?
Adults weigh about 1 kg and reach roughly 0.25 m long.