Echimyidae

Echimyidae is the family of Neotropical spiny rats and their fossil relatives, part of the rodent order Rodentia within the caviomorph radiation. It is the most species rich family of hystricognath rodents and probably the most ecologically diverse, with members ranging from fully arboreal to terrestrial, fossorial and semiaquatic habits. Most species carry stiff, pointed spines that likely deter predators, and many can break off their tails when attacked, though the tails do not regrow. The family lives mainly in South America, with three genera reaching into Central America and the hutias found in the West Indies.