The solendon

THE SOLENODON



They are also known as the slotted-teeth animals.





No, it’s not an ROUS.  The strange solenodon is a mammal found primarily in Cuba and Hispanola. Sure, it looks cute and manageable enough – sort of like an over-sized hedgehog. Too bad the solenodon injects rattlesnake-like venom through its teeth, the only mammal to do so. Easily annoyed, the solenodon bites at the drop of a banana leaf. Still, being both a carrion feeder and insectivore, it is a vital species in its ecosystem. It was thought to be extinct until scientists found a few still alive in 2003. It is in grave danger of extinction. 

One of only two solenodons in existence, it resembles a large, stocky shrew, and has a distinctive, elongated snout that extends well beyond the jaw.  A unique ball-and-socket joint attaches the snout to the skull allowing remarkable flexibility and mobility.  The Hispaniolan solenodon has coarse, grizzled grey-brown fur which varies in pattern from one individual to another.