Records and potential distribution of the porcupine (Coendou mexicanus), (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) in Honduras

Abstract

New registration sites for the porcupine (Coendou mexicanus) were updated for Honduras and their potential distribution was modeled. 56 data were ordered, site records, geographic coordinates, municipality, source of information and departments. The updated map shows the 44 locations in the departments of: Olancho, Colón, Copán, El Paraíso, Atlántida, Gracias a Dios, La Paz, Comayagua, Cortes, Francisco Morazán, Lempira, Santa Bárbara, Choluteca, Ocotepeque and Yoro. The results show that C. mexicanus, inhabits 15 departments, and is potentially distributed in 17 of the 18 departments of Honduras, with emphasis on its presence in the lower parts of the departments of Cortés, Yoro and Colón; and in the cloud forests in the departments of Ocotepeque, Lempira, Intibucá, La Paz, Comayagua, Yoro and Francisco Morazán. The data contribute to the geographical location of individuals of the species in the wild, which will allow carrying out studies that provide more information about biology and develop conservation strategies. Porcupines are part of the diet of the big cats so they are an important link in the food chain of these great predators.