Ruatan Island agouti facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ruatan Island Agouti |
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The Ruatan Island agouti (Dasyprocta ruatanica) is a small animal that looks a bit like a large guinea pig. It belongs to the agouti family, which are rodents. This special agouti lives only on the island of Roatán, which is off the coast of Honduras. It is an endemic species, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world!
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What Does It Look Like?
The Ruatan Island agouti looks a lot like its cousin, the Central American agouti. However, the Roatán agouti is smaller. It is usually about 44 cm (17 in) long from its head to its body.
Its fur is a bright orange-brown color all over. The fur on its belly is a lighter, greenish-brown. It also has black flecks on its back, which makes its fur look "grizzled." You can spot a white patch on its chin and a yellowish area on its tummy. Unlike some other agoutis, the Ruatan Island agouti has a few dark hairs on its ears.
How Does It Behave?
Scientists have not studied the Ruatan Island agouti very much. But from what they know, these animals are active both during the day and at night. They are not very territorial, which means they don't fight much over their living space. They are also quite shy. If they see humans, they usually run away quickly.
Where Does It Live and What Does It Eat?
These agoutis live in the bushy forests on Roatán island. They like areas with lots of scrub and trees. They are herbivores, meaning they eat plants. Their favorite foods include almonds, coconuts, hibiscus flowers, and pods from Pentaclethra trees.
Why Is It Endangered?
The Ruatan Island agouti is an endangered species. This means its population is shrinking, and it could disappear if we don't protect it. The main threats to these animals are habitat loss and hunting.
As more tourists visit Roatán, new hotels and buildings are being built. This takes away the agoutis' natural homes. Some agoutis have adapted to living near people, even hiding under hotel buildings. They sometimes eat food left by humans, like chicken grain. However, most Ruatan Island agoutis now live in the hilly, wild parts of the island, far from the busy coast. Protecting their forest homes is very important for their survival.
See also
In Spanish: Agutí de Roatán para niños
