The Solenodontidae reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Solenodontidae

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Solenodontidae
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Insectivora
Family:Solenodontidae
Genus:Solenodon
Species
Solenodon cubanus
Solenodon paradoxus
The family Solenodontidae are nocturnal, burrowing, insectivorous mammals. Only one genus, Solenodon has any extant species.

Often compared to shrews, solenodons resemble rats with extremely elongated snouts, long, naked, scaly tails, small eyes, and coarse, dark brown to black hair. Between 70-80 centimeters (28-32 inches) long from nose to tail, solenodons are known to become very easily agitated and may squeal or bite with little or no provocation.

The two living solenodon species are the Cuban Solenodon (Solenodon cubanus) of Cuba and the Haitian Solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus) of Haiti. Both became endangered species due to predation by the mongoose, which was introduced to kill snakes, as well as cats and dogs. The Haitian Solenodon is now believed to be extinct, however the same was thought of the Cuban Solenodon until a live specimen was found in 2003.