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When you think of porcupines, you might imagine a spiky little creature having a good old waddle across the forest floor, bristling with quills and grumpy charm. But did you know that some porcupines are expert climbers who spend most of their lives in the treetops? Meet the Coendou genus — a group of tree-dwelling porcupines that swing through the forests of Central and South America like prickly little acrobats.  Did I mention that they’re cute, too?

The Paraguaian hairy dwarf porcupine (Coendou spinosus) ranges across Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

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Coendou, also known as prehensile-tailed porcupines, are members of the New World porcupine family. They can be found in Central and South America. Unlike their Old World cousins, which tend to stick to the ground, Coendous are specially built for life above the forest floor and some species spend their lives entirely among the branches.  They manage this feat with their most impressive feature - a prehensile tail - strong, flexible, and perfect for grasping branches. It helps them balance, hang, and climb with surprising agility.

The stump-tailed porcupine (Coendou rufescens) is a rodent species belonging to the Erethizontidae family. It is found primarily in Colombia, with a few sightings reported in Ecuador. This species was once placed in the now-obsolete genus Echinoprocta, but genetic research has since confirmed that it belongs within the Coendou genus.

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These porcupines are medium-sized, often about the size of a house cat, but much chunkier. They have thick fur mixed with sharp quills, which they use for defence. Despite their cuddly appearance, they're not animals you’d want to pet - although, to be completely fair, they don’t go around in gangs looking for trouble either. Coendous are mostly nocturnal and solitary, preferring to spend their nights quietly munching on leaves, fruit, bark, and even the occasional flower.  Although, they are often spotted snoozing the day away...

The Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine (Coendou mexicanus) is a rodent in the Erethizontidae family. Its range includes Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.  It was previously classified under the genus Sphiggurus, which is no longer recognised after genetic studies revealed it was polyphyletic — meaning the species grouped under it didn’t all share a common ancestor.

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One of the oddest things about the Coendou genus is how little we know about them. New species keep popping up as researchers explore remote forests. In fact, scientists have described several new species in just the last couple of decades.  As such it is very difficult to tell how many there are in the wild and which species are at risk.  Deforestation has certainly played a part in putting these species into potential danger.

The Paraguaian hairy dwarf porcupine (Coendou spinosus) has a short tail and is covered in grey-brown quills. Its diet includes fruits, vegetables, roots, and even ant pupae.

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In recent years, habitat destruction has threatened many species in the Coendou genus. As forests are cut down for farming or development, these tree-loving porcupines lose their homes - and their safety from predators. That’s why conservation efforts are so important, not just for the Coendous but for the whole rainforest community they support.

The Amazonian long-tailed porcupine (Coendou longicaudatus), also known as Cerrado’s long-tailed porcupine, is found across much of South America and was first described by François Marie Daudin in 1802. Notably, the Amazonian long-tailed porcupine has been observed exhibiting albinism and is known to be susceptible to certain fungal infections.

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Because they’re shy and live high up in the canopy, Coendous are tricky to study. But what we do know is that they play a vital role in their ecosystem. As seed dispersers, they help maintain forest diversity. They also serve as dinner for some of the jungle’s top predators - although those quills make for a rather risky snack!

The black-tailed hairy dwarf porcupine (Coendou melanurus) is a member of the Erethizontidae family. Its range includes Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.

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So next time someone mentions porcupines, surprise them with this fun fact: some porcupines don’t just walk — they climb, swing, and hang upside down. The Coendou might not be famous (yet), but in the forests of Latin America, they’re the stealthy, spiky stars of the treetops.

First Image - Coendou mexicanus