William Atkins
Friday, 09 January 2009 23:21
Science -
Biology
Page 1 of 2
The Hispaniolan Solenodon, also called the Agonta, is an oversized shrew-like creature that has only rarely been seen in the past. Now, the BBC reports that a unique video of the strange venomous mammal has been taken in the Dominican Republic.
The video of the mammal was taken during 2008 while researchers from the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Ornithological Society of Hispaniola were exploring the Dominican Republic, which is a country in the Caribbean.
The nocturnal, insect-eating animal, which is scientifically named
Solenodon paradoxus, is only known to exist on the island of Hispaniola, which is shared by the countries of the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Also called the Haitian Solenoden, the mammal is a solenodon, a nocturnal, burrowing, insectivorous mammal that belongs to the family Solenodontidae.
The animal looks similar to a large shrew, weighing between 0.6 and 1.0 kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) and with a length ranging from 28 to 33 centimeters (about one foot). Its tail gives it an additional length of around 25 centimeter.
Its underbody is lighter than its top, which contains mostly brownish-red fur. Its legs, snout, tops of its ears, and tail are devoid of hair or fur. It also contains strong claws for burrowing and digging. It also has a nearly hairless snout which is used for food gathering (insect-eating).
The
S. paradoxus uses venom to bite its enemies. The venom is contained in glands within its armpits and groin. The venom is injected through its teeth as it bites its victim.
Supposedly, it also gives off a smell (similar to a goat) based on this venom.
For additional information on the animal, please go to the AnimalInfo.org’s webpage “
Haitian Solenodon.”
To watch the rare footage of this strange-looking creature, please go to page two.
