Cuban Short-tailed Hutia (Geocapromys columbianus)

• never observed by Europeans; fossils contemporary with indigenous artifacts indicate survival into colonial era, possibly until 19th Century

• ground-dwelling montane forest herbivore endemic to Cuba and Isla de Pinos

• fossil specimens in Washington

• disappeared after deforestation, perhaps causing increased exposure to owls and other predators

• References:

Allen, G. M.  Extinct and Vanishing Mammals of the Western Hemisphere    QL715.A44 1942  p.101

Nilsson, G.  The Endangered Species Handbook  QL82.N55 1983  ISBN 0-938-424-09-7  p.211

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N. C. Heywood maintains this page, last updated 25AUG01.