Capromys pilorides

This is the commonest and most widespread of the fourteen extant species of hutia, a family (Capromyidae) of Rodentia. Ten of the species occur on Cuba and its related cays (several of which have very restricted ranges and are highly threatened), whilst the other species are found on Hispaniola, Jamaica and the Bahamas. Several species are known from the fossil record, whilst another species, known from Little Swan Island (Honduras) became extinct quite recently (1950s). Five subspecies of Desmarest's Hutia are described; this is the nominate, which is found throughout the main island. We were shown two animals roosting in a tree at the Peninsula Guanhacabibes, of which this one. Even though this is a relatively common species, hutias are always difficult to see. Guy had only seen four or five non-captive animals, of three species, during previous trips. There is a nice new book (in Spanish) on the mammals of Cuba, published by the Natural History Museum in Havana.