Mammals
Cuban Hutia
Capromys pilorides · also called Desmarest's hutia
Climbing slowly through the branches of a mangrove thicket, a Cuban hutia shows the heavy build of a rodent found only on Caribbean islands, one of the few native land mammals left in the region.
Overview
The Cuban hutia, Capromys pilorides, is a Least Concern rodent native to forest, thicket, and mangrove habitat across Cuba and nearby islands. Its stocky build, tree-climbing habits, and place among the Caribbean’s few native land mammals make it one of the region’s most distinctive rodents.
One of the Caribbean’s rare native mammals
Hutias are among the few native land mammals that survive on Caribbean islands, and the Cuban hutia is one of the largest and most widespread of them.
Status
Least Concern, widespread across suitable habitat, though hunted in places.
Cuban Hutia: common questions
What is a hutia?
A hutia is a stocky rodent found only on Caribbean islands, and the Cuban hutia is one of the largest surviving members of the group.
Can the Cuban hutia climb?
Yes, it climbs readily and spends much of its time in trees and thick vegetation.
What does the Cuban hutia eat?
It is a herbivore that feeds on leaves, bark, fruit, and other plant matter.
Where is the Cuban hutia found?
It is native to forest, thicket, and mangrove habitat across Cuba and nearby islands.