Bristle-spined rat

The Borstenbaumstachler ( Chaetomys subspinosus ) is a living in South America rodent species from the family of porcupines ( Erethizontidae ).

Physique

The body of the Borstenbaumstachler is busy with bristle-like hairs, but the head, neck and the front limbs they are very prickly. Their fur is dark brown, the feet and the scaly tail are dark brown. These animals can reach a body length from 38 to 46 centimeters, a tail length of 25 to 28 centimeters and a weight of about 1300 grams.

Distribution and habitat

Borstenbaumstachler inhabit a small area in southeastern Brazil, they live in the states of Sergipe, Bahia, Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro. Their habitat is forests and scrubland near savannas.

Way of life

Borstenbaumstachler are arboreal, which usually move with slow movements in the branches. During the day they sleep in tree hollows or holes in the ground to go out at night in search of food. Almost one- fifth of the night is used to search for food. Their diet consists exclusively of seemingly leaves. About the reproduction of these animals is virtually nothing is known.

Threat

These animals inhabit a relatively small area, which is also pulled through deforestation affected. The IUCN lists it as threatened ( vulnerable ).

System

It is disputed whether the Borstenbaumstachler belongs to the tree Stach learning ( Erethizontidae ) or the sting rats ( Echimyidae ). Both are American rodent family, whose coat is characterized by bristle-like or spine- like hairs. Younger classification systems such as Wilson & Reeder classify him in a separate subfamily, Chaetomyinae, within the porcupines.