Thrichomys

Thrichomys is a genus of South American rodents in the family Echimyidae, commonly known as spiny rats. The genus includes several species distributed mainly in Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, with habitats ranging from cerrado and dry forests to forest edges and grasslands. They are generally terrestrial and nocturnal, often sheltering in burrows or dense vegetation.

Physically, Thrichomys species are medium-sized rodents with coarse fur that includes stiff guard hairs giving a spiny appearance. They have elongated bodies, relatively long tails, and strong incisors characteristic of caviomorphs. Behavior is largely nocturnal or crepuscular, and they are adaptable to a variety of microhabitats.

Diet consists of fruits, seeds, leaves, and other plant matter, with occasional invertebrates. Reproductive traits vary among species and are influenced by resource availability; several offspring can be produced in favorable seasons.

Taxonomic work continues to refine the number of species within Thrichomys, and some taxa have been recently described or reclassified. Conservation status varies by species and locale, with habitat loss in biomes such as the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest posing threats to several populations.