Cuban Solenodon
Solenodon cubanus (Atopogale cubana)
Weight: 700-1000g
Habitat: It
is found in dense, humid forests and brush country, as well as around
plantations.
Age to Maturity: Young remain with their mother for several
months, which is exceptionally long for insectivores
Birth Rate: 1 or 2 young per litter.
Diet: Insects
and spiders found in soil and leaf litter form most of its diet.
Threats: Introduction
of the Burmese mongoose into Cuba is believed to have
accounted for their near-extermination. Currently, feral cats are probably
the greatest threat, since the areas they inhabit now is not good mongoose
habitat. In addition to predation by introduced predators, habitat loss is
also a factor contributing to their rarity. It is not hunted for food.
