Mysateles

The Langschwanzhutias ( Mysateles ) is a rodent genus of the family tree rats ( Capromyidae ). The genus includes five species that live in Cuba and offshore islands.

General

Langschwanzhutias resemble the Hutiaconga and were formerly in the same genus ( Capromys ) classified, but are distinguished by the eponymous longer tail and details in the structure of the skull. These animals reach head torso lengths from 30 to 43 centimeters, the tail is 21 to 34 inches long and their weight varies from 1.3 to 1.9 kilograms. They look similar rats with a powerful, rounded head. The coat is reddish brown on the top, or black, the underside is lighter, often whitish or light brown.

Langschwanzhutias are forest dwellers and keep mostly to trees on. It is likely to be nocturnal and primarily feed on plants.

The hunting and destruction of habitat are the main threats to the Langschwanzhutias.

The types

• Mysateles garridoi lives only in the archipelago Archipelago de los Cannareos off the southern coast of Cuba. You already thought to be extinct before 1989, two animals were caught. The species is " critically endangered " by the IUCN ( critically endangered ) listed.
• Mysateles gundlachi is endemic to the Isla de la Juventud, and is considered endangered ( vulnerable ).
• Mysateles melanurus lives in eastern Cuba and is considered as a relatively frequent.
• Mysateles meridionalis inhabited the southwestern part of the Isla de la Juventud.
• Mysateles prehensilis is the largest and best-researched species of this genus. She lives in western Cuba and is also relatively common.