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Paradoxus

from The Dik Diks by The Dik Diks

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The SOLENODONS PARADOXUS is one of the most unique and rare mammals in the world. It looks like a large, plump shrew with elongated snout and multicolored fur. Solenodons grow to about a foot long, and their naked, scaly tails can add another 10 inches.

The second lower incisor has a narrow groove ("Solenodon" derives from the Greek "grooved tooth"), through which flows a venomous saliva secreted by the submaxillary gland, making the solenodon one of only a handful of venomous mammals.

S. paradoxus has glands in the armpits and in the groin, which are said to give off a goat-like smell. It readily defends itself against one of its own kind and is apparently NOT IMMUNE TO IT’S OWN VENOM, since animals have been seen to die after fighting and sustaining minor wounds. It may also attack other animals savagely: a captive solenodon was reported to have attacked a young chicken and torn it to pieces with its strong claws before eating it. In moments of excitement it may grunt like a pig or give bird-like cries, but when pursued it stays motionless and hides its head, making it easy to capture-- a number of biological and behavioral paradoxes that must have influenced the scientists who named it.

Both sexes are similar. Males have an unexposed penis and the testes are hidden deep within the abdominal cavity. Females have an irregular estrus period that is apparently unrelated to seasonal changes; they may have two litters of one to three young per year. Usually only two of the offspring survive, because the female only has two teats, which are found near her buttocks.

They are not very numerous, existing only on the island of Hispaniola (Haiti/Dominican) where they are called "agouta." During daylight hours they stay in their burrows, trees, hollowed-out logs or caves, remaining hidden from view. When they do come out, they run on their toes with a stiff ungainly waddle, following an erratic, almost zigzag course. Its claimed that the agouta never runs in a straight line. When a solenodon is alarmed and tries to move faster, it is very likely to trip.

Solenodon pic by Scott Marshall

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from The Dik Diks, released April 19, 2024

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The Dik Diks San Francisco, California

Natural Music made by :

Kirk Lombard • Vocals, 2-string diddley-bat, harmonica
Cary Kirk • Guitar
Josh Lindenfelzer • Drums
Wiley Evans • Tuba

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