Desmarest's Hutia

IUCN LEAST CONCERN (LC)

 

Facts about this animal

The Desmarest’s or Cuban hutia is the largest of the hutia species. Its head- body length ranges from 46 to 60 cm, the tail length from 15 to 30 cm and the body-weight may reach 8.5 kg.

 

Cuban hutias have a stocky body, short legsand "waddle" when they move. Their tail is completely covered with hair. Their feet are broad and each foot has five toes with prominent claws. Females have two pairs of mammae.

 

The fur is thick and coarse and the colour on the upper parts can be various shades of black, grey, brown, red, yellow, and cream. Their underside fur is usually softer and a lighter shade. They have no underwool.

 

Cuban hutias usually live in pairs, but can be found also singly or in small groups. They are predominantly diurnal and do not burrow. During the night they rest in hollows in rocks or trees. Both males and females scent mark their territory with urine.

 

Births may occur all year round. After a gestation period of around 120-126 days, the female gives birth to a litter of usually 2-3 cubs. The young are born precocial, able to move around, well-furred, and with their eyes open. They are weaned at an age of about 5 months.

 

Cuban hutias are omnivores, feeding predominantly on plant material such as leaves, fruit, bark, but taking also lizards and other small animals.

 

 

How this animal should be transported

For air transport, Container Note 79 of the IATA Live Animals Regulations should be followed.

 

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Yomangani