Guyenne spiny rat facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Guyenne spiny-rat
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Proechimys
Species:	guyannensis
Subspecies
P. g. arabupu Moojen, 1948 P. g. arescens Osgood, 1944 P. g. cherriei Thomas, 1899 P. g. guyannensis (É. Geoffroy, 1803) P. g. riparum Moojen, 1948 P. g. vacillator Thomas, 1903
Synonyms
P. cayennensis Desmarest, 1817 P. warreni Thomas, 1905

The Guyenne spiny-rat (Proechimys guyannensis), also known as the Cayenne spiny rat, is a type of spiny rat. These interesting rodents live in parts of South America. You can find them in countries like Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela. They are called "spiny rats" because they have stiff, spiky fur, a bit like a hedgehog!

Meet the Guyenne Spiny-Rat

The Guyenne spiny-rat is a medium-sized rodent. It has a body covered in stiff, spiky hairs, which gives it its name. These spiny hairs help protect them from predators. They are usually brown or reddish-brown on their backs and lighter on their bellies.

Where They Live

These spiny rats are found in tropical forests. They prefer areas with lots of trees and plants, often near rivers or streams. Their habitat includes dense rainforests and other wooded areas across South America.

What They Eat

Guyenne spiny-rats are mostly herbivores. This means they eat plants. Their diet usually includes fruits, seeds, leaves, and sometimes insects. They forage for food on the forest floor, using their keen sense of smell.

Family Tree of the Spiny-Rat

Scientists study how different animals are related to each other. This is like building a family tree for animals. The Guyenne spiny-rat belongs to a group of spiny rats called Proechimys.

Who are Their Relatives?

By looking at their bodies and their DNA, scientists have found that the Guyenne spiny-rat is closely related to another spiny rat called P. roberti. They are like close cousins in the animal kingdom. This helps us understand how different species evolved over time.

Conservation Status

The Guyenne spiny-rat is currently listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN. This means that their populations are stable and they are not considered to be in danger of extinction right now. However, like many animals, their habitats can be threatened by deforestation and human activities. Protecting their forest homes is important for their future.