Mammal · GBIF taxon 5219470
Hispaniolan Solenodon
Solenodon paradoxusAlso known as Agouta, Hispaniola Solenodon, Dominican Solenodon
Hispaniolan solenodons are ancient, nocturnal mammals that navigate forest floors using long, flexible snouts and echolocation-like clicks. They are among the very few living mammals capable of producing toxic saliva, which they inject into prey through grooved lower incisors. Mated pairs inhabit complex underground burrow systems, emerging after dark to dig for earthworms, grubs, and small reptiles.
VenomousNocturnalEndemic
Licensed reference(c) Solenodon joe, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Earthworms
- Beetle Larvae
- Spiders
Predators
- Feral Dogs
- Feral Cats
- Small Asian Mongooses
ThreatsPredation by introduced dogs, cats, and mongooses, plus habitat fragmentation
HabitatsTropical moist forest, dense woodland, and mountain scrub
Life spanUp to 11 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySolenodontidae
- SpeciesSolenodon paradoxus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Delivers a venomous bite if cornered; observe from a safe distance without touching.
- Why it is dangerous
- Injects toxic saliva through specialized grooved teeth when delivering a defensive bite, causing intense pain and swelling.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by its elongated body, pale face patches, long hairless tail, and extremely flexible cartilaginous snout.
- What to do
- Never attempt to grab, pick up, or corner an individual; back away slowly if encountered on a trail.
- What to notice
- Look for a large shrew-like mammal with prominent foreclaws and a yellowish-brown coat foraging in deep leaf litter.
- Support conservation
- Remain on designated trails, minimize artificial light, and keep domestic dogs strictly controlled in nature reserves.
Responsible observation
- Night Surveys: Search for foraging activity in humid forest areas after dark using low-intensity red flashlights.
- Listen Closely: Listen for high-pitched clicking sounds and heavy rustling among the forest leaf litter.
- Keep Distance: Refrain from approaching active burrows or attempting to handle wild individuals.
Predator (c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Don Loarie · cc-by
Frequent Companion Close Relative
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