Cuban solenodon

mammal

Also known as: Atopogale cubana, Solenodon cubanus

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

The Cuban solenodon is a large, shrew-like mammal found exclusively on the island of Cuba. It has a chunky body, short legs, and a long, flexible snout. A distinctive feature is its toxic saliva, which is delivered through its incisors to subdue prey. These nocturnal animals forage for invertebrates, small vertebrates, and bird eggs by probing the ground and decaying wood with their snouts. They inhabit forests and scrublands, using burrows or other sheltered areas for nests. The Cuban solenodon is known to be social, living in groups and communicating through various vocalizations. This species is now restricted to southeastern Cuba. Solenodons belong to the family Solenodontidae and are considered ancient mammals with no close living relatives.1

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Cuba
Plant and animal life
Solenodons (Atopogale cubana), which are nearly extinct ratlike insectivores, are found only in the remotest eastern regions. Other mammals include hutias (edible rodents) and manatees, or sea cows, which inhabit river mouths. Several types of bats prey on mosquitoes and insects harmful to agriculture, and in…
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Solenodons (Atopogale cubana), which are nearly extinct ratlike insectivores, are found only in the remotest eastern regions. Other mammals include hutias (edible rodents) and manatees, or sea cows, which inhabit river mouths. Several types of bats prey on mosquitoes and insects harmful to agriculture, and in…
Read More

solenodon
The Cuban solenodon (S. cubanus) is social, with several animals living together in the same burrow. They communicate with twitters, chirps, squeaks, squeals, and clicks. Adult solenodons approach each other with open mouths, perhaps emitting high-frequency clicks. Contact then often results in one animal’s closing its…
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The Cuban solenodon (S. cubanus) is social, with several animals living together in the same burrow. They communicate with twitters, chirps, squeaks, squeals, and clicks. Adult solenodons approach each other with open mouths, perhaps emitting high-frequency clicks. Contact then often results in one animal’s closing its…
Read More