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Lifespan, longevity, and ageing

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Observations: These animals are expected to live up to 6.5 years (Ronald Nowak 1999). Given the longevity of similar species, it is likely maximum longevity is underestimated and further studies are necessary.
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Solenodon have highly developed senses of touch, smell, and hearing. The name Solenodon comes from the words solen (meaning “channel”) and dent (meaning “tooth”). The distribution of Solenodon on islands is probably the key to their survival. This is partially due to their low competitive ability (Vaughn et al., 2000). Solenodon cubanus is sometimes placed in the separate genus or subgenus Atopogale. Earlier in the 20th century, S. cubanus was thought to be extinct, but it was recently found in many parts of eastern Cuba, though it is rare (Nowak, 1999).

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Theusch, M. 2002. "Solenodon cubanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Solenodon_cubanus.html
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Melissa Theusch, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Behavior

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Perception Channels: tactile ; chemical

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Theusch, M. 2002. "Solenodon cubanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Solenodon_cubanus.html
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Melissa Theusch, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Conservation Status

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Both S. cubanus and S. paradoxus are listed as endangered by the IUCN (Nowak, 1999). Populations of S. cubanus are declining due to the introduction of Old World rats (Rattus), mongoose (Herpestes), domestic dogs, and domesticc cats into the West Indies. The clearing of land for agriculture has also led to their decline (Vaughn et al., 2000).

CITES: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: endangered

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Theusch, M. 2002. "Solenodon cubanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Solenodon_cubanus.html
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Melissa Theusch, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Benefits

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There is no negative effect of Cuban solenodons on humans, unless one is provoked and bites in self-defense.

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Theusch, M. 2002. "Solenodon cubanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Solenodon_cubanus.html
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Melissa Theusch, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Benefits

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Cuban solenodons are important predators of invertebrates that may act as pests.

Positive Impacts: controls pest population

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Theusch, M. 2002. "Solenodon cubanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Solenodon_cubanus.html
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Melissa Theusch, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Associations

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Cuban solenodons are important small, generalized predators in the ecosystems they inhabit. They help to control populations of invertebrates and may disperse the seeds of the fruits they eat.

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Theusch, M. 2002. "Solenodon cubanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Solenodon_cubanus.html
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Melissa Theusch, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Trophic Strategy

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Cuban solenodons are generalized omnivores that prefer animal material. They prey primarily on invertebrates, but also scavenge on vertebrate remains (Vaughn et al., 2000). They also eat insects, worms, small reptiles, roots, fruits, and leaves. Unfortunately, even though they have a large array of dietary items to choose from, their population is decling due to the slow rate of breeding (The International Wildlife Encyclopedia, 1974). Cuban solenodons find food by rooting with their snouts or digging and uncovering animals with their large claws.

Animal Foods: reptiles; carrion ; insects; terrestrial worms

Plant Foods: leaves; roots and tubers; fruit

Primary Diet: carnivore (Insectivore )

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Theusch, M. 2002. "Solenodon cubanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Solenodon_cubanus.html
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Melissa Theusch, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Distribution

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Presently, Solenodon cubanus is limited to the Oriente Province in Cuba. However, fossils show that Solenodon species lived on the North American mainland 30 million years ago (Grzimek, 1990).

Biogeographic Regions: neotropical (Native )

Other Geographic Terms: island endemic

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Theusch, M. 2002. "Solenodon cubanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Solenodon_cubanus.html
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Melissa Theusch, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Habitat

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Solenodon lives in family groups in caves, natural hollows, and burrows in dense, wet mountain forests (Nowak, 1999).

Habitat Regions: tropical ; terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; rainforest

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Theusch, M. 2002. "Solenodon cubanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Solenodon_cubanus.html
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Melissa Theusch, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Life Expectancy

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Solenodon are relatively long lived animals. A Cuban solenodon lived more than 5 years in captivity. They may be able to live longer as a Hispaniolan solenodon lived to 11 years in captivity (Vaughn et al., 2000).

Range lifespan
Status: captivity:
5 (high) years.

Average lifespan
Status: captivity:
6.0 years.

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Theusch, M. 2002. "Solenodon cubanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Solenodon_cubanus.html
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Melissa Theusch, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Morphology

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Cuban solenodons have relatively large heads, tiny eyes, and large, projecting and partially naked ears. They have a long proboscus with a supporting bone. Their forelegs are longer than their hindlegs. On their feet they have five fingers with powerful claws at the end. The tail is thick, scaly, and almost hairless (Grzimek, 1990). Solenondon has an incomplete zygomatic arch and no auditory bulla. Their dental formula is 3/3,1/1,3/3,3/3 = 40 (Vaughn et al., 2000). Solenodon cubanus has a longer and finer pelage than does S. paradoxous, the only other extant species of Solenodon. The pelage of S. cubanus is blackish brown with white or buff. Head and body length of Cuban solenodons ranges from 280 to 390 mm, tail length from 175 to 255 mm, and they weigh about 1 kilogram. Solenodons have glands in their inguinal and groin areas that secrete a musky, goat-like odor. Females have two mammae. The submaxillary glands of S. paradoxus produce toxic saliva, which may help them to subdue prey. Presumably, S. cubanus also produces toxic saliva (Nowak, 1999).

Average mass: 1 kg.

Range length: 280 to 390 mm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry

Average mass: 1000 g.

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Theusch, M. 2002. "Solenodon cubanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Solenodon_cubanus.html
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Melissa Theusch, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Associations

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Cuban solenodons may be preyed on by snakes and birds of prey. Their secretive, burrowing habits probably protect them from many predators. They may also be able to use their toxic salivary secretions as a defense mechanism.

Known Predators:

  • snakes (Serpentes)
  • raptors (Falconiformes and Strigiformes)
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Theusch, M. 2002. "Solenodon cubanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Solenodon_cubanus.html
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Melissa Theusch, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Reproduction

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Mating behavior in solenodons is unknown.

Very little is known about reproduction in solenodons. Cuban solenodons have low reproductive rates of 1 to 2 offspring per litter. The young are born in a burrow. They have two litters per year and the young stay with their mother for several months (The International Wildlife Encyclopedia, 1974; Massicot, 2001). Young from multiple litters may stay with their mother, with as many as 8 solenodons being found in a single nest.

Breeding season: Breeding and births may occur throughout the year.

Range number of offspring: 1 to 2.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; year-round breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (Internal ); viviparous

Average number of offspring: 1.5.

Young are cared for in their mothers nest until they reach independence. Presumably males do not care for young.

Parental Investment: altricial ; female parental care

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Theusch, M. 2002. "Solenodon cubanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Solenodon_cubanus.html
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Melissa Theusch, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Cuban solenodon

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Skeleton

The Cuban solenodon or almiquí (Atopogale cubana) is a small, furry, shrew-like mammal endemic to mountainous forests on Cuba. It is the only species in the genus Atopogale. An elusive animal, it lives in burrows and is only active at night when it uses its unusual toxic saliva to feed on insects. The solenodons (family Solenodontidae), native to the Caribbean, are one of only a few mammals that are venomous.

The Cuban solenodon is endangered and was once considered extinct due to its rarity. It and the Hispaniolan solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus) are the only surviving solenodon species; the others are extinct.

Taxonomy

Although formerly classified in the genus Solenodon, phylogenetic evidence supports it being in its own genus, Atopogale.[3]

Rediscovery

Illustration

Since its discovery in 1861 by the German naturalist Wilhelm Peters, only 36 had ever been caught. By 1970, some thought the Cuban solenodon had become extinct, since no specimens had been found since 1890. Three were captured in 1974 and 1975, and subsequent surveys showed it still occurred in many places in central and western Oriente Province, at the eastern end of Cuba; however, it is rare everywhere. Prior to 2003, the most recent sighting was in 1999, mainly because it is a nocturnal burrower, living underground, and thus is very rarely seen. The Cuban solenodon found in 2003 was named Alejandrito. It had a mass of 24 oz (0.68 kg) and was healthy. It was released back into the wild after two days of scientific study were completed.

Appearance

With small eyes, and dark brown to black hair, the Cuban solenodon is sometimes compared to a shrew, although it most closely resembles members of the family Tenrecidae of Madagascar. It is 16–22 in (41–56 cm) long from nose to tail-tip and resembles a large brown rat with an extremely elongated snout and a long, naked, scaly tail.

Status

Willy Ley wrote in 1964 that the Cuban solenodon was, if not extinct, among "the rarest animals on earth".[4] It was declared extinct in 1970, but was rediscovered in 1974. Since 1982, it has been listed as an endangered species, in part because it only breeds a single litter of one to three in a year (leading to a long population recovery time), and because of predation by invasive species, such as small Indian mongooses, black rats, feral cats, and feral dogs. The species is also thought to be threatened by deforestation as well as habitat degradation due to logging and mining. However, there is very little conservation attention given to the species.[5]

Distribution and habitat

It is endemic to mountainous forests in the Nipe-Sagua-Baracoa mountain range of eastern Cuba, in the provinces of Holguín, Guantánamo, and Santiago de Cuba, though subfossil evidence showed it once inhabited throughout the island. It is nocturnal and travels at night along the forest floor, looking for insects and small animals on which to feed.

Behavior

This species has a varied diet. At night, they search the forest floor litter for insects and other invertebrates, fungi, and roots. They climb well and feed on fruits, berries, and buds, but have more predatory habits, too. With venom from modified salivary glands in the lower jaw, they can kill lizards, frogs, small birds, or even rodents. They seem not to be immune to the venom of their own kind, and cage mates have been reported dying after fights.

Mating

Taxidermied specimens at the Cambridge University Museum of Zoology

Cuban solenodons only meet to mate, and the male practices polygeny (i.e. mates with multiple females). The males and females are not found together unless they are mating. The pair will meet up, mate, then separate. The males do not participate in raising any of the young.

References

  1. ^ Hutterer, R. (2005). "Order Soricomorpha". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 222–223. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
  2. ^ Kennerley, R.; Turvey, S.T.; Young, R. (2018). "Atopogale cubana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T20320A22327125. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T20320A22327125.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  3. ^ "Explore the Database". www.mammaldiversity.org. Retrieved 2021-07-21.
  4. ^ Ley, Willy (December 1964). "The Rarest Animals". For Your Information. Galaxy Science Fiction. pp. 94–103.
  5. ^ "Cuban Solenodon". EDGE of Existence.

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Cuban solenodon: Brief Summary

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The Cuban solenodon or almiquí (Atopogale cubana) is a small, furry, shrew-like mammal endemic to mountainous forests on Cuba. It is the only species in the genus Atopogale. An elusive animal, it lives in burrows and is only active at night when it uses its unusual toxic saliva to feed on insects. The solenodons (family Solenodontidae), native to the Caribbean, are one of only a few mammals that are venomous.

The Cuban solenodon is endangered and was once considered extinct due to its rarity. It and the Hispaniolan solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus) are the only surviving solenodon species; the others are extinct.

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