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Above: Deborah Cox with Lima a six year old chinchilla.

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An intrepid Rowley Regis woman is set to cross the globe to help save an endangered species.

Deborah Cox, of Ely Close, will meet up with members of charity Save the Wild Chinchilla when she travels to the Illapel region of Chile next month.

The 42-year-old will be involved in work to help restore the natural habitat of the small rodents, whose numbers have dwindled in recent years as they have been hunted down for the fur trade.

Deborah said: "It is quite exciting and unlike anything I have done before.

"We will be taking seedlings grown in nursery conditions and taking them to the desert to hopefully help wild colonies thrive.

"It promises to be an exciting trip with plenty of hitch-hiking and the work will also help other species as well."

Deborah revealed the trip will also see her battle fluctuating temperatures in the Andean foothills.

The office worker, who has previously undertaken conservation work in Italy and Northern Ireland, said she first became interested in the Chinchillas' plight after keeping them as pets.

She added: "They are charming little animals and are becoming more popular as pets.

"They don't become as tame as other animals do and retain a free spirit which is really sweet. They are full of life."

What do you think of Deborah's efforts? Post a comment.

9:51am Friday 16th May 2008

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