Hispaniolan Solenodon

Solenodon paradoxus

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Eulipotyphla · Solenodontidae

About

The Hispaniolan solenodon, also known as the agouta, is a small, furry, shrew-like mammal endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Like other solenodons, it is a venomous, insect-eating animal that lives in burrows and is active at night. It is an elusive animal and was only first described in 1833; its numbers are stable in protected forests but it remains the focus of conservation efforts.

Fun Fact

Hispaniolan solenodons are so evolutionarily ancient that they lack the typical mammalian ball-and-socket hip joint — they waddle rather than run, yet have survived on Hispaniola since the time of the dinosaurs.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Forests

Diet

Insectivore

Lifespan

6-11 years

Threats

Small Population Size
Illegal Wildlife Trade
Genetic Bottleneck
Poaching

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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