Solenodon
The family Solenodontidae are nocturnal, burrowing, insectivorous mammals. Only one genus, Solenodon has any extant species.
Often compared to shrews, solenodons resemble rats with extremely elongated cartilaginous snouts, long, naked, scaly tails, small eyes, and coarse, dark brown to black hair. Between 70-80 centimeters (28-32 inches) long from nose to tail, solenodons are known to become very easily agitated and may squeal or bite with little or no provocation.
The two living solenodon species are the Cuban Solenodon (Solenodon cubanus) of Cuba and the Haitian Solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus) of Haiti. Both became endangered species due to predation by the mongoose, which was introduced to kill snakes, as well as cats and dogs. The Haitian Solenodon is now believed to be extinct, however the same was thought of the Cuban Solenodon until a live specimen was found in 2003.
The Solenodon has two lactating teats on its dorsal side, near the tail, and poison saliva.
The Solenodon is interesting to phylogenetics researchers due to its retention of primitive mammal characteristics; their species dates back to the age of the dinosaurs. Given the proximity of their native habitat to the impact site of the asteroid that ended the reign of the dinosaurs, it is believed they survived that extinction event by living underground during the period of climactic upheaval.
