About Dasyprocta ruatanica Thomas, 1901
Dasyprocta ruatanica, commonly called the Ruatan Island agouti, closely resembles the more widespread Central American agouti, but is noticeably smaller. Its head-body length measures around 44 cm, or 17 inches. The species has orange-brown fur covering its entire body, which fades to a paler, olivaceous shade on the underparts. Its back has grizzled black ticking, it has a white spot on the chin, and a yellowish patch on the belly. Unlike the naked ears of Central American agoutis, the ears of the Ruatan Island agouti bear a few dark hairs. The overall body color of the Ruatan Island agouti is described as richer than that of the Central American agouti. These color differences are slight, however, so they are less reliable than body size for distinguishing the two species. Ruatan Island agoutis inhabit brushy scrub forest across the island of Roatán. In this habitat, they feed on almonds, coconuts, hibiscus, and Pentaclethra pods.
