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Animal profile

Hispaniolan Solenodon

Solenodon paradoxus

MammaliaForest, scrub and karst limestone country with crevices for shelterLeast Concern

Field profile

The Hispaniolan solenodon is a shrew-like, nocturnal insectivore with a long flexible snout and a venomous bite. Its lineage separated from other placental mammals in the Late Cretaceous. Introduced dogs, cats and mongooses remain a recognised threat, though the IUCN downlisted it to Least Concern in 2020.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2025-11-18

Hispaniolan Solenodon

The solenodon delivers venom through grooved teeth

Venomous mammals are rare, and the solenodon is among the few. Saliva from a submandibular gland runs along a groove in the second lower incisor and into the wound, a delivery system closer to a snake's than to anything else with fur.

Read with evidence →

Hispaniolan Solenodon | Daily Animal Facts