Hispaniolan Solenodon Range Map
(Hispaniola, Caribbean)
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Latin Name |
Solenodon paradoxus |
Conservation Status |
Endangered |
Location
| Caribbean |
Colour |
Black - Reddish/Brown |
Length |
28 - 32 cm (11 - 12.5 inches) |
Tail |
17 - 26 cm (6.5 - 10 inches) |
Weight |
1 Kg (2.25 lbs) |
Life Expectancy |
Up to 11 Yrs (in captivity) |
Main Characteristics
The Hispaniolan Solenodon is a large shrew-like insectivore. They have a body length between 28 and 32 cms (11 - 12.5 inches), a tail length between 17 and 26 cms (6.5 - 10 inches) and they weigh in the region of 1 kg (2.25 lbs).
They are black to reddish/brown in colour with a paler underside. Their feet, nose, tail and upper ears are almost hairless and they have a long, mobile snout. Their claws are strong and powerful which they use for digging.
They have small eyes and their vision is not very good, however they have excellent senses of hearing, smell and touch.
Hispaniolan Solenodons are slow clumsy animals and they have an ungainly gait. Instead of running in a straight line they tend to take a zigzag course.
Hispaniolan Solenodons are only a handful of mammals that are venomous. The second lower incisor has a narrow groove through which a venomous saliva secreted by the submaxillary gland flows. They use their venom as a form of defence or to stun their prey.
Habitat
Hispaniolan Solenodons are found in forests and brush country on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. They are nocturnal and during the day they hide away in their burrows, a hollow tree or hidden crevice.
Diet
The Hispaniolan Solenodon mainly feeds on insects, worms and lizards. They may also occasionally feed on fruit, roots and other vegetation. They probe the earth with their snout and dig or rip open rotten logs with their claws in order to locate their prey.
Breeding
Hispaniolan Solenodons breed up to twice per year. Females will give birth to 1 - 3 young and at birth they weigh 40 - 55 g (1.4 - 1.9 oz). The young are weaned after approximately 75 days but they sometimes remain with their parents while subsequent litters are born and raised, making it possible that up to 8 animals share the same burrow.
Predators
The main predators of the Hispaniolan Solenodon are dogs, cats and mongoose.
Subspecies
There are two subspecies of Hispaniolan Solenodon:
Solenodon paradoxus paradoxus
They are found in northern Hispaniola
Solenodon paradoxus woodi
They are found in southern Hispaniola
Interesting Facts
The Hispaniolan Solenodon has been included as one of the 10 species to be investigated by the Zoological Society of London Edge of Existence Programme in 2007.
Solenodon is derived from the Greek meaning "grooved tooth".
To see video footage of a Hispaniolan Solenodon Continue>
Similar Animals
Cuban Solenodon
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