Little Earth Hutia
Mesocapromys sanfelipensis
Overview
The San Felipe hutia, also known as the little earth hutia, is small, critically endangered, rat-like mammal found on the small island of Cayo de Juan Garcia off the southwest coast of Cuba. It was discovered in 1970 and is possibly extinct. Little is known about the species, except that it lives in swamps and coastal mangrove forests. It is a member of the hutia subfamily (Capromyinae), a group of stout rodents native to the Caribbean that are mostly endangered or extinct.
Mesocapromys sanfelipensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development on its limited island range. Introduced predators, particularly cats and dogs, pose significant predation pressure on this ground-dwelling rodent. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it highly vulnerable to stochastic events and environmental changes.
Habitat
This endemic Cuban hutia inhabits dry forests, scrublands, and rocky areas with dense vegetation cover on small cays. The species requires areas with sufficient ground cover and crevices for shelter, typically in coastal and near-coastal environments.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in CAPROMYIDAE
Frequently asked questions
Why is Little Earth Hutia classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Little Earth Hutia live?
What are the main threats to Little Earth Hutia?
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