Plagiodontia

Plagiodontia AEDIUM

The Zagutis ( Plagiodontia ) is a rodent genus of the family tree rats ( Capromyidae ). Today only exists one type, the Cuvier's Zaguti or Actual Zaguti ( P. AEDIUM ) on Hispaniola, two other species, P. and P. ipnaeum araeum are extinct.

Features

Zagutis have a rat- like appearance. The short, dense coat color is gray-brown, the head is massive and is rounded to the relatively short tail is hairless and scaly. Front and hind feet have five toes, fingers crossed wear nails that other toes slightly curved claws. The Authentic Zaguti reaches a body length 31-41 cm, a tail length of 13 to 15 centimeters and a weight of around 1.2 kg.

Distribution and habitat

Zagutis are endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola and the upstream Ile de la Gonâve. Their habitat are forests where they occur from sea level to 2000 meters above sea level.

Way of life

Zagutis are mainly nocturnal and live both on the ground and in trees. During the day, they retreat into burrows or tree cavities to go out at night in search of food. They should live in pairs. Their diet consists of roots, fruits, leaves and bark.

After a 120 - to 150 - day gestation, the female gives birth to one or two pups.

Threat

• The Cuvier - Zaguti applies IUCN as endangered ( endangered ). Due to hunting and loss of habitat, the stocks have declined, but studies have shown that the type is not so rare as had been feared.
• The Veloz - Zaguti ( Plagiodontia ipnaeum ) and the giant Zaguti ( Plagiodontia araeum ) were the largest species of the genus. The former is probably extinct in the 17th century, the latter presumably in pre-Columbian times. Bones of both species were often found in kitchen waste, suggesting that they were hunted and eaten by the inhabitants of Hispaniola.