Discovery of a new species of Coendou (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) within the hyper-diverse mammalian community of Sangay National Park in Ecuador

Researchers have identified a new species of porcupine, Coendou sangay, within the highly diverse mammalian community of Sangay National Park in Ecuador. This discovery was made through extensive fieldwork spanning 15 years, involving 12,800 trap-nights and 2,400 camera-trap days. The new species is characterized by its medium body size, short tail (approximately 26% of head-and-body length), tricolored bristle-quills with brownish-red tips, and distinct cranial features. Phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial Cytochrome b data revealed significant genetic divergence from its closest congeners, confirming it as a distinct lineage within Clade B. Notably, only one specimen was found, suggesting that Coendou sangay is a rare, canopy-dwelling specialist. The study also highlights Sangay National Park's remarkable mammal diversity, with 170 species recorded, including 18 endemic and 35 threatened taxa. This research underscores the importance of long-term, intensive inventories in uncovering cryptic arboreal lineages and emphasizes the urgent need for conservation measures to protect this high-elevation biodiversity hotspot.

Brito, J., Curay, J., León-Caldas, V., Lojan-Cueva, P., Ojala-Barbour, R., Pozo-Zamora, G., Simba, L., Tito, P., Vargas, R., Vega-Yánez, M. A., & Batallas, D. (2026). Discovery of a new species of Coendou (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) within the hyper-diverse mammalian community of Sangay National Park in Ecuador. PeerJ, 14, e21382. Portico. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.21382