Coendou – Prehensile-tailed porcupines

A group of tree-dwelling mammals known for their bristly quills, round bodies, and remarkable gripping tails. Unlike the ground-dwelling porcupines of North America and Africa, Coendou species are highly adapted for life in the trees, making them some of the cutest and most specialized climbers in the tropical forests.

Coendou porcupines have short, stocky legs, large, strong claws, and a long, muscular tail that they use almost like a fifth limb. Their tail is bare at the tip, giving them a better grip on branches as they climb, balance, and even hang while reaching for food. Their bodies are covered in short spines or quills, which are often mixed with soft fur, giving them a spiky, but sometimes fuzzy appearance. Unlike the quills of Old World porcupines, Coendou quills are shorter and more flexible, but still an effective defense against predators.

These porcupines are nocturnal and solitary, spending their nights foraging in the treetops for a diet mainly made up of leaves, fruits, seeds, and sometimes bark. Their strong jaws and ever-growing teeth allow them to gnaw through tough plant material. They move slowly and carefully, relying on their gripping tail and claws to keep from falling as they navigate the high branches.

Coendou porcupines are known to be surprisingly vocal! They produce a variety of grunts, whines, and even little “humming” sounds, especially during the mating season or when communicating with young. Some species even “talk” to themselves as they climb, making them more audible than many might expect.

Despite their prickly defenses, prehensile-tailed porcupines are sometimes preyed upon by harpy eagles, ocelots, and jaguars, who have learned how to avoid the worst of the quills. However, their ability to climb high and stay hidden in thick foliage keeps them relatively safe most of the time.