Garrido's hutia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Garrido's hutia |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Capromys
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| Species: |
garridoi
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| Synonyms | |
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Mysateles garridoi |
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The Garrido's hutia (Capromys garridoi) is a small, rat-like mammal. It lives in mangrove forests along the coast of Cuba and nearby islands. This animal is very rare and is considered critically endangered. Some people even think it might be extinct, meaning it no longer exists.
Garrido's hutia belongs to a group of rodents called hutias. Most hutias are native to the Caribbean islands. Many of them are also endangered or have already become extinct. The only other animal in the same group as Garrido's hutia is the Desmarest's hutia (Capromys pilorides). It also lives only on Cuba.
Contents
What is a Garrido's Hutia?
Garrido's hutia is a small mammal that looks a bit like a large rat. It is part of the hutia family. Hutias are rodents that are unique to the Caribbean islands. They are often shy and hard to spot in the wild.
Where Does the Garrido's Hutia Live?
The Garrido's hutia makes its home in mangrove forests in Cuba. These special forests grow in salty water along the coast. They are part of a larger area called the Cuban moist forests. This area is known for having many different kinds of plants and animals.
Scientists believe Garrido's hutia lives on small islands. These islands are found in the Banco de los Jardins y Jardinillos. This area is south of Cuba's Zapata Peninsula and east of the Isle of Youth.
How Rare is This Animal?
Garrido's hutia is very hard to find. The first animal was found around 1970 on Cayos Maja. This is an island off the south-central coast of Cuba. Later, in 1989, two more hutias were caught alive. They were found on small islands near Cayos Maja. Because so few have been seen, it is listed as critically endangered. This means it faces a very high risk of becoming extinct in the wild.
Why is it Endangered?
Animals like the Garrido's hutia face many threats. These can include losing their habitat. This happens when mangrove forests are cut down or damaged. They can also be threatened by new animals brought to the islands. These new animals might hunt the hutias or compete for their food. Protecting their special mangrove homes is very important to help these rare animals survive.
See also
In Spanish: Jutía de Garrido para niños
