The systematics, biology, and conservation of Solenodon

Abstract

An investigation of the geographic variation of Solenodon indicate that this Greater Antillean insectivore genus is represented by four species, two living, S. cubanus, S. paradoxus, and two extinct, S. marcanoi and a yet unnamed giant member from Cuba. The large fossil species from Cuba and a new geographic population of S. paradoxus from Hispaniola are described. The diagnosis of S. marcanoi is revised and some specimens of the original type series are re-assigned to S. paradoxus. S. marcanoi shares characters of both, S. paradoxus and S. cubanus, and is considered an intermediate lineage.