Cuban hutia
The Desmarest's hutia (Capromys pilorides) is a species of rodent endemic to Cuba. It is the largest of the extant species of hutia (although the extinct Giant hutias were far larger).
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DiurnalDiurnal animals are active during the daytime, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night. The timing of activity by an animal depends ...
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OmnivoreAn omnivore is an animal that has the ability to eat and survive on both plant and animal matter. Obtaining energy and nutrients from plant and ani...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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ViviparousAmong animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. The term 'viviparity' and its adjective form 'viviparous'...
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PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
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ArborealArboreal locomotion is the locomotion of animals in trees. In habitats in which trees are present, animals have evolved to move in them. Some anima...
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TerritorialA territory is a sociographical area that which an animal consistently defends against the conspecific competition (or, occasionally, against anima...
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Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withThe Desmarest's hutia has thick, coarse fur which extends to the tip of the tail. The color of the body fur varies from black to brown, with a light sand color and red also seen. The body is stocky and the legs short. It moves with a slow, waddling gait, but can perform a quick hop when pursued. The feet have five toes with large claws which assist the animal in climbing. The stomach is divided into three compartments by constrictions in the gut and is among the most complex of any rodent.
Desmarest's hutias are widespread throughout Cuba. They are found on the main island, Isla de la Juventud, the Sabana archipelago, the Doce Laqunas archipelago, and many of the other islands and cays of the Cuban archipelago. These animals inhabit a wide range of habitats such as dry forests, humid forests, montane cloud forests, arid coastal semi-deserts, lowland areas, and even the mountains of eastern Cuba. In northern Cuba, populations tend to occur in areas where there are abundant mangroves, while southern populations favor a more terrestrial habitat. They are abundant in Guantánamo Province, particularly around the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base.
Desmarest's hutias normally live in pairs but can be found individually or in small groups. They are arboreal animals but more often tend to come down on the forest floor. Both males and females scent mark their territory with urine. Desmarest’s hutias are diurnal and do not burrow. During the night they rest in hollows in rocks or trees.
Desmarest’s hutias are omnivorous but eat mostly bark, leaves, and fruit. They may sometimes take small vertebrates such as lizards.
These animals breed throughout the year with a peak breeding season in June/July. After the gestation period that lasts between 110 and 140 days (normally around 120 to 126 days), females usually produce 1 to 3 young. The young are precocial, with fur, fully open eyes, and the ability to walk. They weigh an average of 230 g (8 oz) at birth and are weaned at around 5 months. They become reproductively mature at around 10 months of age.
There are no major threats to this species at present.
According to IUCN Red List, the Desmarest’s hutia is widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
Social animals are those animals that interact highly with other animals, usually of their own species (conspecifics), to the point of having a rec...