Abstract

CORTES-SUAREZ, Javier E. et al. New records and natural history observations of the brown hairy dwarf porcupine Coendou vestitus (Rodentia: Erethizontidae). Biota colombiana [online]. 2021, vol.22, n.2, pp.155-162.  Epub July 30, 2021. ISSN 0124-5376.  https://doi.org/10.21068/c2021.v22n02a09.

The brown hairy dwarf porcupine Coendou vestitus is among the most threatened endemic rodent species, with a corroborated presence in few localities in the Eastern Cordillera; departments of Boyacá and Cundinamarca. We present new records for three localities and natural history observations such as the use of the tail as a support during locomotion and activity hours. As part of local knowledge, the use of their quills as defense against domestic animals and the consumption of chusque (Chusquea sp.) has been identified, as well as the use of the quills by local people in the localities of the records related to their beliefs. Our records extend to 10 the number of localities for the western flank of the Eastern Cordillera, in the Magdalena Valley Montane Forests ecoregion. The records were obtained during the day and at night, so it is necessary to study the activity patterns within Coendou, generalized as nocturnal, and obtain new data on the natural history of this species.

Keywords : Andes; Endemism; Mammalia; Rodentia..

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