Cuban Solenodon

Species Description:

The Cuban Solenodon has dark brown/black hair and small, beady eyes. It is 16-22 in in size, and can resemble a shrew or a large brown rat. What is unique about this mammal, is that its saliva secretes venom when hunting prey. The species was thought to be extinct until one was found in 2003, making it the 37th of its kind to ever be caught.

Habitat:

Currently, the Cuban Solenodon resides in Cuba only. It inhabits the outer forests that surround Cuba. 

Role in Ecosystem:

Cuban Solenodon's prey on small spiders and insects. Therefore, their role within the ecosystem is to regulate the insect population. Without the Cuban Solenodon, we would have an overpopulation of insects. 

Cause of Decline:

Before the European invasion in Cuba, the Cuban Solenodon had no natural predators. However, the Europeans introduced new species to Cuba. These new species, such as dogs and cats, began to prey on the Cuban Solenodon. Another threat to the species is loss of habitat. Due to agriculture development, the Cuban Solenodon has lost much of the environment that it would thrive in.

Importance:

The Cuban Solenodon is important because of its role within the ecosystem, as well as its low population number. If this animal becomes extinct, there will be an increase in the bugs and insects that it preys on. The species is currently protected by 

Conservation Efforts and Guidelines for Helping:

The species is currently protected by the USDI (United States Department of the Interior). In order to create a more effective conservation plan, more research needs to be conducted on this species. We need to understand why they have been able to survive for so long and the impacts of introduced predators.

Sources:

http://www.edgeofexistence.org/mammals/species_info.php?id=4