We found a dead female of the mexican porcupine (Sphiggurus mexicanus), during a orientation hike in the Punta Rio Claro Wildlife Refuge. This is a exciting report as this species have not been report in the Osa Peninsula, in fact it was considered abscent in the southwerstern part of country. We have hear a few sightings reports from local guides, but for the first time we have found a specimen.
This rodent feeds mostly on seed and fruits. It is a night time forager and spent most of its time in the canopy. In addition, is solitary. Probably due to these facts, this species has been rarely see by people in the area.
This report spans the range of distribution of the mexican porcupines in Costa Rica and adds one more mammal species to the Osa Peninsula biodiversity.
“In the end we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.” Baba Dioum