Pantocestidae

Pantocestidae is a family of small to medium-sized mammals belonging to the order Rodentia. They are native to South America and are characterized by their relatively large size compared to other rodents, with some species reaching up to 1.5 kilograms. Pantocestids have a robust body, short legs, and a long, bushy tail. Their diet primarily consists of fruits, seeds, and insects, although some species may also consume small vertebrates.

The family Pantocestidae is divided into two subfamilies: Pantocestinae and Octodontinae. Pantocestinae includes the genus Pantocesta, which is the only genus in the family to have a prehensile tail. Octodontinae, on the other hand, includes several genera, such as Octodon and Octomys, which are known for their large, cheek pouches that store food.

Pantocestids are social animals and live in colonies that can range from a few individuals to several dozen. They are active during the day and spend most of their time foraging for food. Their reproductive cycle is seasonal, with females giving birth to a single offspring after a gestation period of about 100 days.

Pantocestids face several threats, including habitat loss due to deforestation and agriculture, as well as hunting and trapping for their fur. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these unique rodents and their habitats.