A Desmarest's Hutia could weigh from 1 all the way to 9 kgs, but the average could be placed at seven kilograms. These Hutias are considered of the biggest kind, but their movements are anything but graceful. Having short legs, they move in unsteady fashion, "waddling" would be the best word. Still, if a Desmarest's Hutia's life is on the line, (say, a predator aims to turn him into breakfast), the waddling becomes hopping...
They have rough fur and the dorsal part is usually with a darker hue. Shades of the covering vary: black, brown, yellowish and even red. Its tail is totally hidden from view, with all the hair, and their claws are big.
These hutias possess a very elaborate stomach structure. It is divided into 3 segments, making it the most complicated stomach morphology as far as rodents are concerned.
Picture of the Desmarests Hutia licensed under GFDL
The Desmarest's hutia is listed as Least Concern (LR/lc), lowest risk. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Some facts about the
Adult weight : 4.683 kg (10.3026 lbs)
Maximum longevity : 14 years
Female maturity :304 days
Male maturity : 304 days
Gestation : 125 days
Weaning : 100 days
Litter size : 2
Weight at birth : 0.24 kg (0.528 lbs)
Basal metabolic rate : 3 W
Body mass : 2.63 kg (5.786 lbs)
Temperature : 35.85 °C (96.53 °F)