Zagutis

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Zagutis
Systematics
Subordination : Porcupine relatives (Hystricomorpha)
Partial order : Hystricognathi
without rank: Guinea Pig Relatives (Caviomorpha)
Family : Quill rats (Echimyidae)
Subfamily : Tree rats (Capromyinae)
Genre : Zagutis
Scientific name
Plagiodontia
F. Cuvier , 1836

The zagutis ( Plagiodontia ) are a genus of rodents from the subfamily of the tree rats (Capromyinae). Today there is only one species, the Cuvier-Zaguti or actual Zaguti ( P. aedium ) on Hispaniola , two other species, P. ipnaeum and P. araeum have become extinct.

features

Zagutis have a rat-like appearance. The short, dense fur is gray-brown in color, the head looks massive and is rounded, the relatively short tail is hairless and scaly. The front and rear paws have five toes, the thumbs have nails, the other toes have slightly curved claws. The actual zaguti reaches a head body length of 31 to 41 centimeters, a tail length of 13 to 15 centimeters and a weight of around 1.2 kilograms.

distribution and habitat

Zagutis are endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola and the offshore Île de la Gonâve . Their habitat are forests, where they occur from sea level up to 2000 meters above sea level.

Way of life

Zagutis are predominantly nocturnal and live both on the ground and in trees. During the day they retreat to earthworks or tree hollows to look for food at night. They are allowed to live in pairs. Their diet consists of roots, fruits, leaves and bark.

After a gestation period of around 120 to 150 days, the female gives birth to one or two young.

threat

  • The Cuvier's Zaguti applies, according to IUCN as endangered ( endangered ). The populations have declined due to hunting and loss of habitat, but studies have shown that the species is not yet as rare as feared.
  • The veloz zaguti ( Plagiodontia ipnaeum ) and the giant zaguti ( Plagiodontia araeum ) were the largest species in the genus. The former probably died out in the 17th century, the latter probably in pre-Columbian times. Remnants of bones of both species have often been found in kitchen waste, suggesting that they were hunted and eaten by Hispaniolan residents.

literature

  • Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 2 volumes. 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD et al. 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9 .

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