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Lifespan, longevity, and ageing

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Maximum longevity: 16.7 years (captivity)
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Taxonomic confusion regarding Sphiggurus mexicanus has led to a wide variety of synonyms, and this species has been placed in six different genera since its initial description in 1792. More recent research has limited the scope of the uncertainty to Coendou and Sphiggurus. The distinction between the two genera is currently poorly understood, and each is commonly referred to as one or the other in the literature. Numerous studies have found that there is some genetic evidence for the recognition of two genera, though research is ongoing.

It is thought that species chromosomal differences in Sphiggurus has evolved by Robertsonian chromosomal differentiation, while Coendou has not, leading to a high variety of chromosome number within Sphiggurus (range 42-72) not seen in Coendou.

Numerous synonyms have been proposed within the genus Sphiggurus for this species. Two previously described synonyms, S. liebmani and S. yucataniae, are now considered to be subspecies of S. mexicanus. Sphiggurus laenatus, once considered a separate species, then a subspecies, and later simply a local color morph, is a form endemic to Panama, and is now accepted as a distinct species. As new species are described, the status of S. mexicanus is likely to change. The IUCN currently lists ten species under the genus Sphiggurus and six under Coendou.

As a result of these taxonomic challenges, there is wide variability in the literature. For this account, all species names listed above (except S. laenatus), were considered synonymous.

The IUCN has a detailed map of the distribution of Sphiggurus mexicanus online at: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/20629/rangemap

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Miller, M. 2009. "Sphiggurus mexicanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sphiggurus_mexicanus.html
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Micah Miller, University of Alaska Fairbanks
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Behavior

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Mexican hairy dwarf porcupines are relatively silent, only vocalizing during mating periods. Screams, grunts, squeals, and moans have been reported during breeding. It is likely that scent plays a role in communication, though no research supports or refutes this. Coendou males have been recorded performing a behavior known as anal dragging, rubbing their posterior along the ground, likely to mark territories with scent, though no observations have been noted for this behavior in Sphiggurus.

Communication Channels: visual ; acoustic ; chemical

Other Communication Modes: scent marks

Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical

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Miller, M. 2009. "Sphiggurus mexicanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sphiggurus_mexicanus.html
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Micah Miller, University of Alaska Fairbanks
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Conservation Status

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Sphiggurus mexicanus is common throughout its range and is considered a species of least concern by CITES (Appendix III) and the IUCN Red List (2008). This is likely due to a broad habitat requirements and protection of vast amounts of habitat within its range. This species was first listed in the IUCN Red List in 1996, and updated in 2008. The IUCN and other organizations show the population declining, though not severely enough for listing as a threatened or endangered species. However, due to a dearth of research focusing on this species, its status is in need of assessment. Some organizations, including the Los Tuxtlas Biological Reserve in Veracruz, Mexico, consider the species to be in decline and that more research is needed to assess its abundance. It is listed as one of 31 Mesoamerican endemic mammal species in the reserve, but is one of the most poorly studied.

The single largest threat to this species is habitat loss, though these animals do show some environmental plasticity and can adapt to minor habitat changes. One study found that 59% of mammal species in Mesoamerica (including S. mexicanus) respond negatively to habitat loss and manipulation for forestry practices.

The conservation status of this species is also dependent upon the taxonomic uncertainties described below (Other Comments). As the taxonomic relationships of the subspecies and regional populations of this species are better understood, it is likely that the conservation status of certain populations will change.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: appendix iii

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

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Miller, M. 2009. "Sphiggurus mexicanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sphiggurus_mexicanus.html
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Benefits

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Farmers and foresters report observing Sphiggurus mexicanus eating crop plants and the leaves and fruits of commercially managed trees. Coffee plantations have reported these porcupines eating coffee beans and they are widely managed as a pest under these conditions. However, the negative commercial effects of this species are significantly less than those of weather and other environmental effects.

Negative Impacts: crop pest

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Miller, M. 2009. "Sphiggurus mexicanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sphiggurus_mexicanus.html
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Benefits

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Sphiggurus mexicanus is commonly hunted by humans. Its meat is used for food, and its fat and skin are said to have medicinal value among indigenous peoples. The skin has cultural significance in traditional garb as well and is used in clothing and headdresses.

Positive Impacts: food ; body parts are source of valuable material; source of medicine or drug

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Miller, M. 2009. "Sphiggurus mexicanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sphiggurus_mexicanus.html
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Associations

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Sphiggurus mexicanus is a common prey item for a wide variety of Mesoamerican predators. It likely causes plants to produce plant secondary metabolites (PSMs), as does Erethizon dorsatum (North American porcupines). Little is known about parasitology and immunology in this species, nor is much known about competitive pressures. While it is likely that it competes with other generalist canopy herbivores such as spider (Atelidae) and howler monkeys (Alouatta), until more is known about its diet, this remains speculative.

Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds

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Miller, M. 2009. "Sphiggurus mexicanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sphiggurus_mexicanus.html
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Trophic Strategy

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Sphiggurus mexicanus is frugivorous and folivorous. Individuals feed on leaves of trees, particularly those of the genera Inga, Cecropia, Ficus, and Brosimum. However, much about the diet is unknown.

Plant Foods: leaves; fruit

Primary Diet: herbivore (Folivore , Frugivore )

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Miller, M. 2009. "Sphiggurus mexicanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sphiggurus_mexicanus.html
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Distribution

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Sphiggurus mexicanus is a Mesoamerican endemic, found from central Mexico (Oaxaca and Yucatan) south to the Isthmus of Panama. Related species are found in South America (S. insidious, S. spinosus, S. villosus). Sphiggurus laenatus, formerly considered a subspecies of S. mexicanus, is sympatric in Panama. Due to taxonomic uncertainties, some studies have listed S. mexicanus or a synonym (Coendou mexicanus) as far south as Brazil and Ecuador.

Biogeographic Regions: neotropical (Native )

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Miller, M. 2009. "Sphiggurus mexicanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sphiggurus_mexicanus.html
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Habitat

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Sphiggurus mexicanus has traditionally been considered an exclusively arboreal species, relying on forest habitat for all aspects of its life cycle. There have been rare reports of these porcupines actively foraging far from trees. The IUCN suggests that Sphiggurus mexicanus has a broad elevational and geographical range. Habitat is listed as mixed-mountain forest and coniferous forest up to 3,200 m in elevation. This species is also seen at low elevations when sufficient forest habitat is available, and seems to favor dry lowland habitats on a seasonal basis. It is uncommon to rare in wet evergreen forests, but is locally common in most other forest habitats.

Range elevation: 0 to 3200 m.

Habitat Regions: tropical ; terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; rainforest ; scrub forest ; mountains

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Miller, M. 2009. "Sphiggurus mexicanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sphiggurus_mexicanus.html
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Life Expectancy

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Females remain reproductively active for 11 to 12 years and animals have been recorded in captivity surviving for over 15 years. However, little is known about the lifespan of wild individuals.

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Miller, M. 2009. "Sphiggurus mexicanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sphiggurus_mexicanus.html
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Micah Miller, University of Alaska Fairbanks
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Morphology

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Sphiggurus mexicanus is morphologically similar to all other species in the genus Sphiggurus. These are small to medium-sized arboreal porcupines, with movements generally slower than other rodents of similar size. The tail is prehensile and naked distally as an adaptation for better mobility in trees. The dorsal and lateral regions of the body are covered by long brown hair and yellowish hardened quills which are used for defense against predation. Electron microscopy has found that these are actually a unique modification of the cuticle, seen only in New World porcupines (Erethizontidae), Old World porcupines (Hystricidae), and tenrecs (Tenrecidae). These quills develop differently from quills seen in other spiny mammals such as hedgehogs (Erinaceidae) and echidnas (Tachyglossidae). Little sexual dimorphism is seen in this species and young are similar to adults. Body length is between 55 to 80 cm and mass between 1.5 and 2.5 kg.

Range mass: 1.5 to 2.5 kg.

Range length: 55 to 80 cm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry

Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike

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Miller, M. 2009. "Sphiggurus mexicanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sphiggurus_mexicanus.html
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Associations

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Sphiggurus mexicanus is well-defended from predation, having quills and being primarily nocturnal. However, it has been recorded as a prey item of ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and has been observed being preyed on by birds when exposed. Boa constrictors (Boa constrictor) feed on Sphiggurus species, though snakes have died from having apparent S. mexicanus quills lodged in or puncturing the lining of the gut, eventually causing starvation. Similar species (Coendou and Sphiggurus) have been recorded in the diet of many tropical forest felids and canids.

Sphiffurus mexicanus is also hunted extensively by humans in some parts of its range as a source of food and for medicinal purposes. Many animals are killed by traffic.

Known Predators:

  • boa constrictors (Boa constrictor)
  • ocelots (Leopardus pardalis)
  • humans (Homo sapiens)

Anti-predator Adaptations: cryptic

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Miller, M. 2009. "Sphiggurus mexicanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sphiggurus_mexicanus.html
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Micah Miller, University of Alaska Fairbanks
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Reproduction

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Little is known about the mating systems of Sphiggurus mexicanus. In other porcupines, females control mating by voluntary movement of posterior quills to permit copulation. Available research on S. mexicanus hints that this species is similar in reproductive behavior to Coendou species. Both sexes use a combination of screams, grunts, squeals, and moans to find mates, but are otherwise silent. Coendou females generally mate immediately post-partum. In Sphiggurus mexicanus, however, it is uncertain how mate selection occurs, though polygynandry is likely. Females likely breed regularly for the duration of their reproductive period.

Mating System: polygynandrous (promiscuous)

Little is known about the reproductive behavior of Sphiggurus mexicanus. In Coendou species, females reach sexual maturity at approximately 19 months. Gestation is approximately 203 days, with litter sizes of generally a single offspring, and sometimes twins, indicating a high parental investment. Young weigh just 400 g at birth, are precocial, and are capable of climbing immediately. Quills are soft and pliable during birth but harden within 2 to 3 days after birth. Females remain reproductively active for 11 to 12 years. Similarly, Bahia hairy dwarf porcupines (Sphiggurus insidiosus) have 1 precocial young after a gestation period of about 200 days and the young become independent at 8 to 12 weeks after birth. Possible seasonal atrophy of organs has been hypothesized. One study examined the morphology of reproductive organs in road-killed females, finding evidence for atrophy of vaginal and ovarian blood supply in non-breeding females.

Breeding interval: Mexican hairy dwarf porcupines breed regularly throughout the year, following post-partum estrous.

Breeding season: Mexican hairy dwarf porcupines breed year round.

Range number of offspring: 1 to 2.

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

Little is known about parental investment in Sphiggurus mexicanus. Young are precocial at birth, with high pre-birth maternal resource investment per young. Young are generally between 16 and 60% of maternal body weight. Mexican hairy dwarf porcupines are solitary and males do not help care for their young. In the related species, S. insidiosus, young can walk and climb shortly after birth and are independent at 8 to 12 weeks after birth.

Parental Investment: precocial ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female)

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Miller, M. 2009. "Sphiggurus mexicanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sphiggurus_mexicanus.html
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Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine

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The Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine or Mexican tree porcupine (Coendou mexicanus) is a species of rodent in the family Erethizontidae.[2] It is found in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Mexico, Nicaragua and Belize.[3]

This species was formerly sometimes assigned to Sphiggurus,[2] a genus no longer recognized since genetic studies showed it to be polyphyletic.[4] Its closest relatives are the Andean porcupine (Coendou quichua) and the stump-tailed porcupine (Coendou rufescens).[4]

Description

This porcupine has a pale head and a dark-coloured body. The head-and-body length ranges between about 320 and 457 mm (12.6 and 18.0 in), with a tail ranging from 200 to 358 mm (8 to 14 in). The maximum weight is about 2.6 kg (6 lb). This porcupine is covered with short yellowish spines but these are almost entirely obscured by the long black hair on the body.[5] Sometimes the spines on the shoulders and back are visible projecting through the hairs. By contrast, the head is hairless, revealing the yellowish spines. The snout is pink, broad and bulbous, and the eyes are small. The tail is prehensile, spiny and broad at the base, tapering to a point. This porcupine differs from Rothschild's porcupine (Coendou rothschildi) in that Rothschild's is more obviously spiny and lacks the hairy coat.[5]

Ecology

An arboreal species, it uses its prehensile tail to hold onto branches.[5] It is nocturnal and is usually more active on dark nights. The day is spent in a hollow tree, concealed on a leafy branch, or in highland areas, in a clump of bamboos. As it uses the same hiding place each day, a pile of droppings accumulates which produces a strong odour. The diet consists of buds, young leaves, fruits and seeds. It particularly favours fruiting trees such as Inga, Cecropia, Ficus and Brosimum. Individuals normally live alone and are silent, but in the breeding season it is more vocal, emitting screams and yowls. The female usually bears a single offspring.[5]

References

  1. ^ Vázquez, E.; Reid, F.; Cuarón, A.D. (2016). "Coendou mexicanus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T20629A22214103. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T20629A22214103.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Woods, C.A.; Kilpatrick, C.W. (2005). "Infraorder Hystricognathi". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 1549. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
  3. ^ Biodiversity and Environmental Resource Data System of Belize "Sphiggurus mexicanus specimen records" Archived 2014-03-05 at archive.today. Accessed on 5 March 2014.
  4. ^ a b Voss, R. S.; Hubbard, C.; Jansa, S. A. (February 2013). "Phylogenetic Relationships of New World Porcupines (Rodentia, Erethizontidae): Implications for Taxonomy, Morphological Evolution, and Biogeography" (PDF). American Museum Novitates (3769): 1–36. doi:10.1206/3769.2. S2CID 55426177.
  5. ^ a b c d Reid, Fiona (2009). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Central America and Southeast Mexico. OUP USA. pp. 244–245. ISBN 978-0-19-534322-9.
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Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine: Brief Summary

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The Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine or Mexican tree porcupine (Coendou mexicanus) is a species of rodent in the family Erethizontidae. It is found in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Mexico, Nicaragua and Belize.

This species was formerly sometimes assigned to Sphiggurus, a genus no longer recognized since genetic studies showed it to be polyphyletic. Its closest relatives are the Andean porcupine (Coendou quichua) and the stump-tailed porcupine (Coendou rufescens).

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