Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Coendou
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| Species: |
mexicanus
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The Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine or Mexican tree porcupine (Coendou mexicanus) is a type of rodent in the porcupine family. You can find it in countries like Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Belize.
Scientists once thought this porcupine belonged to a different group called Sphiggurus. However, new studies of their genes showed they are actually closer to other porcupines. Its closest relatives are the Andean porcupine and the stump-tailed porcupine.
What Does It Look Like?
This porcupine has a light-colored head and a dark body. Its body, from head to tail, can be about 320 to 457 mm (12.6 to 18.0 in) long. Its tail adds another 200 to 358 mm (8 to 14 in). The heaviest ones can weigh up to 2.6 kg (6 lb).
This porcupine has short, yellowish spines. But these spines are mostly hidden by its long, black hair. Sometimes, you can see the spines poking through the hair on its shoulders and back. Its head, however, has no hair, so the yellowish spines are easy to see. It has a pink, wide nose and small eyes. Its tail can grip things like a hand, and it's spiny and wide at the base, getting thinner towards the end.
The Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine looks different from Rothschild's porcupine. Rothschild's porcupine has more obvious spines and less hair.
Where Do They Live and What Do They Eat?
This porcupine is an arboreal animal, which means it lives in trees. It uses its prehensile tail to hold onto branches, almost like a fifth limb. It is also nocturnal, meaning it is active at night. It prefers dark nights for its activities.
During the day, it rests inside a hollow tree or hidden among leafy branches. In higher, cooler areas, it might hide in a clump of bamboos. Since it often uses the same hiding spot every day, a pile of droppings builds up. This can create a strong smell.
The Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine eats buds, young leaves, fruits, and seeds. It especially likes fruits from trees like Inga, Cecropia, Ficus, and Brosimum.
Life Cycle and Behavior
These porcupines usually live alone and are quiet. But during the breeding season, they become more vocal. They might make loud screams and yowls to communicate. A female porcupine typically gives birth to just one baby at a time.
