Yonenaga's Atlantic Spiny-rat
Trinomys yonenagae
Conservation Status
EndangeredMammalia · Rodentia · Echimyidae
About
Yonenaga's Atlantic spiny-rat or torch-tail spiny rat is a spiny rat species endemic to Brazil. Locally, it is known as rabo de facho. Named for Yatiyo Yonenaga-Yassuda, a cytogenetics researcher, it is considered an endangered species due to its highly restricted distribution and ongoing habitat loss. Genetic evidence shows that it diverged from its closest living relative, the hairy Atlantic spiny rat, around 8.5 million years ago, during the Late Miocene.
Fun Fact
It is nocturnal, and unlike other, closely related, spiny rats, digs burrows in which it spends the day.
Quick Facts
Habitat
To be updated
Diet
Eating some insects, but primarily feeding on the local vegetation, including araçá-boi fruit, from which they obtain much of their water.
Lifespan
13 years
Threats
- Habitat Loss
- Poaching and Hunting
- Human-Wildlife Conflict
- Disease