long-tailed Cuban hutia

The long-tailed Cuban hutia (Mysateles prehensilis) is a species of rodent native to the Caribbean, specifically Cuba. Hutias, belonging to the family Capromyidae, are characterized by their stout bodies, large heads, small eyes and ears, prominent claws, and long whiskers. The long-tailed Cuban hutia is known for its prehensile tail and is entirely arboreal, resembling a tree squirrel as it moves through trees. These rodents are nocturnal and primarily consume roots, tubers, leaves, stems, and bark.1

Historically, hutias have faced population declines due to hunting by humans and habitat destruction. While some hutia species are not endangered, others, including the long-tailed Cuban hutia, are rare and their populations are threatened.1