Sao Lourenco Punare

activity

Activity patterns. Activity of Sao Lourenco Punares peaks at dusk, but individuals remain active during short periods of day and night.

Echimyidae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Northern Caatinga ecoregion at elevations from near sea level at 15 m to nearly 800 m.

Echimyidae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Home ranges of female Sao Lourenco Punares rarely overlap, but those of males overlap with multiple females; male home ranges are relatively exclusive.

Echimyidae

breeding

Breeding. Reproductive activity of Sao Lourenco Punares in Pernambuco State occurred year-round, with peak in September — - December. Adult females had 2 - 3 litters / year, with an interbirth interval of 4 - 6 months. Litter size averaged 3 - 1 young but varied from 1 - 6 young. In Ceara State, pregnant females were captured in July, with 1 - 4 young (two most common). Littersizes in captive individuals were 1 - 7 young, averaging 3 - 2. Liter size generally increased with female age, and gestation lasted 95 - 98 days. Milk of the Sao Lourenco Punare is high in fat, perhaps an adaptation to minimize water loss in its arid environment. Neonates are precocial, born at an average weight of 2 - 1 g, eyes and ears open, fully furred body, and erupted upper and lower incisors; motor coordination is sufficient to permit young to eat solid food within a few hours following birth.

Echimyidae