Hutias are rodents classified under the subfamily Capromyinae within the Echimyidae family. They are known for their sturdy build, large heads, and short limbs, which are equipped with sharp claws that help in their movement. Their long, sensitive whiskers increase their ability to detect changes in their environment.
These mammals are found in the Caribbean Islands, including Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Greater Antilles. They move friskily through trees, just like squirrels, feeding primarily on plant parts, like stems, roots, tubers, and bark. Unlike most rodents that live in underground burrows, hutias are expert climbers and spend most of their time nesting in tree trunks.
Currently, 10 extant species of hutias belong to their only living tribe, Capromyini.
On average, hutias range between 8.3 and 18.1 in (21 to 46 cm) in head-and-body length and weigh less than 4.4 lb (2 kg). However, the Desmarest’s hutia is larger than the average and has a maximum head-and-body length of about 24 in (60 cm). It weighs between 6.2 and 18.7 lb (2.8 and 8.5 kg).
Among the smaller species is the dwarf hutia, which measures between 7.8 and 11. 8 in (20 and 30 cm).
These animals have stout bodies, with a large head, small eyes and ears, and short limbs with distinct claws. Long whiskers around their snouts help them sense their surroundings, and their body color ranges from black and grey to reddish brown or white.
They also have a tail, which may be very short and inconspicuous (in Jamaican hutia) or prominent and prehensile (in prehensile-tailed hutia). Depending on the species, the tail is either thinly furred or bushy.
Molecular studies have revealed that the subfamily Capromyinae is nested within Echimyidae, a family of Neotropical spiny rats. They are a sister group to the genus Carterodon, commonly known as the Owl’s spiny rat.
Historically, around 20 species of hutias have been identified, but currently, there are only 10 extant species. These surviving species are grouped into four extant genera, all classified under the tribe Capromyini.
These rodents spread from South America to the Caribbean, reaching the Greater Antilles by the Early Oligocene Epoch through oceanic dispersal. The oldest hutia species, which belongs to the genus Zazamys, dates back to the Early Miocene Epoch (23 to 13.8 million years ago).
Hutias are native to the Caribbean Islands, with most species primarily found in Cuba. They also inhabit the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, and the Swan Islands off the coast of Honduras. Once widespread across diverse Caribbean habitats, their populations are now scattered across cays, steep ravines, remote mountain valleys, and coastal areas.
Unlike many rodents that burrow, hutias are skilled climbers and often nest in trees, using trunk cavities and branches for shelter. They also take refuge in rock crevices, caves, and holes in limestone formations.
Most hutias are herbivorous and feed on plant parts, like tubers, leaves, stems, bark, and roots. However, they may also consume invertebrates and small reptiles.
They primarily obtain hydration from the food they eat, instead of drinking water.
Depending on the species, hutias are both diurnal and nocturnal. For instance, the Bahamian hutia is active at night, whereas the prehensile-tailed hutia is active during the day.
Most species have an average lifespan of around 8 to 11 years.
Hutias breed year-round, giving birth one to three times per year after a gestation period of 110 to 150 days. Most species produce litters of one or two young. However, Desmarest’s hutia may have up to six offspring. The mother nurses her young for about five months, and they reach sexual maturity at around 10 months.
Their predators include cats, dogs, mongooses, crocodiles, and birds of prey.
Of all extant species, only Desmarest’s hutia has relatively stable populations and is listed under the Least Concern (LC) category of the IUCN Red List. The remaining species are listed as follows:
| Species | IUCN Category |
|---|---|
| Bahamian hutia, Cabrera’s hutia, San Felipe hutia, dwarf hutia | Critically Endangered (CR) |
| Jamaican hutia, large-eared hutia | Endangered (EN) |
| Black-tailed hutia | Vulnerable (VU) |
| Prehensile-tailed hutia | Near Threatened (NT) |
The primary threats to these rodents include habitat destruction and overhunting. They are considered a delicacy in Cuba, where they are cooked with wild nuts and honey.
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