Scientists have discovered a new species of porcupine in South America. The Coendou roosmalenorum was found in Brazil by a team from the University of Kansas, the University of Sao Paulo and the Brazilian Mamiraua Institute for Sustainable Development. Genetic data was collected along with examination of the animal’s physical characteristics, which showed it to be a new addition to the rodent family of porcupines. The Coendou roosmalenorum is relatively small, measuring between 30-35cm in length and weighing between 1kg-2kg. It prefers living in dense vegetation and is highly elusive, living high up in trees and rarely coming down to the ground.
Scientists have recently made an exciting discovery in South America: a new species of porcupine. The rodent, which has been named the Coendou roosmalenorum, was discovered in Brazil and is the first new porcupine species to be identified in the country in over 200 years. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting new find.
The Discovery
The discovery of the Coendou roosmalenorum was made by a team of scientists from the University of Kansas, the University of Sao Paulo, and the Brazilian Mamiraua Institute for Sustainable Development. The team had been conducting fieldwork in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest when they noticed a previously unknown species of porcupine inhabiting the area.
The researchers collected genetic data from the new species, as well as conducting a thorough examination of its physical characteristics. They found that the Coendou roosmalenorum was significantly different from other known species of porcupines, making it a new addition to the family of rodents.
Physical Characteristics
The Coendou roosmalenorum is a relatively small species of porcupine, measuring between 30-35cm in length, and weighing between one and two kilograms. It is covered in distinctive quills that are around 3-4cm in length, making it look quite spiky, hence the common name porcupine.
In terms of coloration, the Coendou roosmalenorum has a dark brown body with yellowish-brown quills on its back, and white quills on its underbelly.
Habitat and Distribution
The Coendou roosmalenorum appears to be restricted to a relatively small area within the Amazon rainforest, with reports suggesting that it is found in the region around the lower Rio Negro in Brazil, as well as in the Juruá river basin.
The porcupine appears to prefer living in areas with dense vegetation, such as forests and wetlands. Scientists believe it is quite a difficult species to identify in the wild, as it is incredibly elusive, living high up in the trees, and coming down to the ground only rarely.
Conservation Status
As the Coendou roosmalenorum is a newly discovered species, scientists are still gathering data to determine its conservation status. However, it is believed that the species is not currently under great threat, as its habitat is relatively undisturbed, being located in remote parts of the Amazon rainforest. Nevertheless, it is likely that the species will be protected under Brazil’s existing conservation laws.
FAQs about the New Porcupine Species
Q: Are porcupines dangerous?
A: Porcupines are generally not dangerous to humans. However, their quills can be quite painful if they penetrate the skin, and they can carry diseases, so it’s best to leave them alone if you come across one in the wild.
Q: Can porcupines shoot their quills?
A: No, porcupines can’t shoot their quills. The quills are held in place by muscles, and the porcupine will either turn its back to its attacker to try and defend itself or use its quills as a deterrent by raising them up.
Q: What do porcupines eat?
A: Porcupines are herbivores and mainly feed on bark, leaves, and other plant matter. They are known to cause significant damage to trees, particularly if they are in large numbers.
Q: Can porcupines climb trees?
A: Yes, porcupines are excellent climbers, using their sharp claws and prehensile tails to make their way up trees in search of food or shelter.
Q: What is the purpose of porcupine quills?
A: Porcupine quills are a defense mechanism, designed to deter predators. When threatened, a porcupine will raise its quills, creating a spiky barrier that is difficult for predators to penetrate. The quills may also detach from the porcupine’s body, remaining embedded in the predator and causing them pain or injury.
