Despite those pesky sharp spikes, several animals hunt the porcupine. When excited, porcupines stamp their hind feet. Bobcats, cougars and fishers have learned that a porcupine has no quills on its stomach. Order: Rodentia. These are also nocturnal animals. To help with this tree lifestyle, they have a couple different adaptations. Andres, S. 2014. It is suspected (though not confirmed) that a large population of porcupines is distributed over a wide range that includes many protected areas. Its diet consists of leaves, fruit, and small fresh twigs and shoots. Continue with Recommended Cookies. In addition to having smaller young that require an extended developmental period, Brazilian porcupines lack a distinct mantle of longer quills covering the nape, shoulders and upper backs of the adults. Accessed [4] This creature can easily be tamed enough to be kept in captivity. The quills of this large porcupine can be over a foot long and they have been known to kill or severely maim top-level predators such as lions. Brazilian porcupine (Coendou prehensilis) Frosted hairy dwarf porcupine . Depending on the genus, these are embedded in clusters or interspersed with hair. They display unusual courtship behavior, like rubbing noses and dancing. Precipitation is typically not limiting, but may be somewhat seasonal. Classification, To cite this page: The spines are modified hairs inserted into the animals musculature. The young have a dense covering of reddish brown guard hairs (each about 35 millimeters in length) on their heads and bodies that will later harden to quills. Brazilian porcupines are nocturnal creatures that subsist mostly on fruits, nuts, and seeds. This is a common trait among other hystricognath rodents without a breeding season. The newborn porcupine is covered with red hairs and small spines, which harden shortly after birth. Accessed Old World porcupines live in Europe, Africa, and Asia; some examples are the North African crested porcupine, African brush-tailed porcupine, and Indian crested porcupine. Age, 30/2-3: 111-119. Synapomorphy of the Bilateria. at http://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/SpotlightonVetMedicine/The%20Biology%20of%20Prehensile-tailed%20Porcupines.pdf. the area in which the animal is naturally found, the region in which it is endemic. If that wasnt enough, many people also hunt these peaceful rodents. young are relatively well-developed when born. There are 17 known species of porcupinefish in the world's ocean including the long-spine porcupinefish. These rodents live entirely solitary lives outside of mating. The prehensile tail is used to curl around branches when climbing. The lips and nose are fleshy. Weaning takes place after 10 weeks, and within a year the young reaches adult size. The North American porcupine has a round, stocky body with a small, blocky head, small eyes, and ears. When relaxed and at ease, the quills of Brazilian porcupines rest flat against the skin. Prehensile-tailed porcupines are primary plant material consumers in their geographic range. PREDATORS: Feral dogs. Another problem is their speed; porcupines move so slow, youd think they dont have a care in the world. Quill rattling also occurs after grooming or when porcupines are startled, which brings on some debate about this behaviors specific meaning. The Animal Diversity Web team is excited to announce ADW Pocket Guides! There are around 24 different species of porcupines across the globe and one thing that's common among them is their pointed quills. Sadly, porcupines have fewer and fewer options for where to live. When you become a member, you also receive exclusive benefits, like special opportunities to meet animals, discounts at Zoo stores and more. They are reported to move to a new tree each night. (Roberts, et al., 1985), Chemical communication includes sniffing and scent marking done by both sexes. "Coendou prehensilis" The mother nurses every 4 to 6 hours for 1 to 3 minutes at a time, at the mother's discretion. Heres a rundown of some other dangers porcupines must navigate: The primary predators of porcupines are relatively small mammals called fishers. A number of larger predators like coyotes, great horned owls and bobcats will take an occasional porcupine, but these predators have little impact on porcupine numbers. 1985. The Brazilian porcupine was one of several species described and illustrated by the 17th-century naturalist Georg Marcgrave, whose text was among the primary references upon which Linnaeus based . A grassland with scattered trees or scattered clumps of trees, a type of community intermediate between grassland and forest. Porcupines are also a common food source for bears. Fire and grazing are important in the long-term maintenance of grasslands. But it is rather interesting to note that baby porcupines are . Life expectancy in the wild is likely less and limited by tooth wear caused by diet. While ADW staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control. Sarah Andres (author), University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Christopher Yahnke (editor), University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Alecia Stewart-Malone (editor), University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Laura Podzikowski (editor), Special Projects. It couldtake up to six months to determine a prehensile-tailed porcupine's sex, because its sexual organs are internal. All in all, they are very well-suited for life in the wild and have lived a long time thanks to their adaptations. Accessed Prehensile-tailed porcupines are herbivores that forage, mostly among trees. It weighs about nine pounds (4.1 kg). Wilson, D., D. Reeder. An Annotated Checklist of the Species of Coendou Lacpde, 1799. Soon after giving birth, females will mate again. During the summer months, free-ranging and feral dogs occasionally catch and consume prehensile-tailed porcupines. A substance that provides both nutrients and energy to a living thing. If caught, the porcupine rolls into a ball. This shy, nocturnal porcupine is solitary or lives in pairs in the branches of trees. The primary threats to North American porcupines are human development and invasive species such as bugs. (On-line). Oregon's Porcupine. These are kept horizontally while the animal doesnt feel threatened. The average weight of an adult male porcupine ranges from 22 to 27 pounds (about 10-12 kg), but some individuals can weigh up to 30 pounds (13.6 kg). (Gaunt and Miles, 2000; Roberts, et al., 1985; Valente, et al., 1998), Besides functioning as an occasional food source, prehensile-tailed porcupines are not of great economical importance to humans. Journal of Zoology, 27/3: 16-17. The head is roundish and rather domed, with a blunt muzzle and small eyes and ears. Brazilian porcupines have small ears, long whiskers, wide nasal openings and specialized procumbent upper incisors. The limits of the reproductive lifespan of Brazilian porcupines are unknown, but those in captivity have been documented to produce young for more than 10 years. Today well be focusing in on the Brazilian porcupine. It is not aggressive but will defend itself ferociously if attacked. Arboreal species inhabit the American continent, and are great climbers spending most of their time in trees. Though they mostly occupy old growth forests where trees for foraging and dwelling are abundant, they also inhabit humid mountainous highlands, riverine llanos (vast tropical grasslands), and even a few croplands. August 22, 2011 Prehensile-tailed porcupines or Brazilian porcupines are large and have a long, strong prehensile tail. The prehensile tails are unspined and used for stabilization and grasping while climbing as well as a means of hanging. In captivity, juveniles occasionally engage in play with the father, but little to no paternal care is evident in the wild. The body is covered with short, thick spines that are whitish or yellowish in color, mixed with the darker hair, while the underside is grayish. Increased predation on porcupines may occur when other prey species, such as mule deer and rabbits, decrease in numbers. Prehensile-tailed porcupines are shy nocturnal animals; they prefer to lead a solitary lifestyle or may spend time in pairs. So disease spread between individuals occurs less often than with other animals. In other words, Central and South America. However, other mammals such as wolves, coyotes, and cougars hunt the quilled creatures as well. Adult Brazilian porcupines have skin varying in hue from yellow-orange rust to brownish-black and is covered with long quills on the dorsal side. Predators sometimes succumb to quills. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. These porcupines rarely descend to the ground. Young are often left to fend for themselves by climbing trees to escape danger. Rico is an animal ambassador at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.Subscribe: http. Porcupines are strictly herbivores, preferring a diet of fruits, foliage, leaves, . Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_porcupine, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/101228458/0, more lists with Prehesile-Tailed Porcupine. Thats not because they dont brush them, its because they have iron in their enamel that changes their teeth color from white to yellow to orange over time. The semi-hollow quills are tricolored with white tips terminating in a barbed end. They can produce a variety of sounds, from moans and whines to grunts, coughs, shrieks, barks and wails. Intra-specific interactions consist of biting and attempts to injure adversaries with their sharp quills. The tricolored semi-hollow quills have white tips ending in a barbed end. ("Prehensile-tailed Porcupine", 2011; "Spotlight on Vet Medicine: A Tale of a Porcupine Tail", 2011; Roberts, et al., 1985). 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW Its name refers to its prehensile tail, which facilitates climbing. Sometimes males and females are seen together, but they apparently forage and sleep separately. Porcupines are hit by cars across the US at an alarming rate. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Brazilian Porcupine (Coendou prehensilis) The Brazilian porcupine is covered with short thick quills which can be . The lips and nose are fleshy. The one obvious one is their enormous prehensile tail. August 23, 2011 The two Neotropical porcupines are fairly similar in size and color. The IUCN Red List and other sources dont provide the number of the Prehensile-tailed porcupine total population size. Referring to an animal that lives in trees; tree-climbing. Weaning occurs at around ten weeks of age; however, the animal does not reach full size until closer to 48 weeks. Fishers are especially equipped to prey upon porcupines, and will attack from the front until they are able to flip a porcupine on its back and attack the porcupine's unprotected stomach. (Marinho-Filho, et al., 2011). Despite limited interaction and care, neither adult shows aggression towards the young. A terrestrial biome. The great horned owl is a well-known predator of the porcupine, presumably due to a combination of intelligence (so knowing how to attack it in the ways it is vulnerable) and dexterity. Females were never observed spaying males or young. at http://www.lcb.esalq.usp.br/lea/Artigos_pdf/Camposetal2007.pdf. . However, they still have a lot of natural predators who hunt them against all odds. The Ecotopes and Evolution of Tratomine Bugs (Triatominae) and their Associated Trypanosomes. having the capacity to move from one place to another. Accessed March 02, 2023 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Coendou_prehensilis/. A researcher posited that the only reason a lion in that situation was attacking a human was its frailty and the porcupines quill was the reason for it.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'factsking_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_4',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-factsking_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); In North America, mountain lions are especially fond of porcupines and attack them frequently for feeding on them. On the contrary, Fishers have a more tactical approach. and across multiple seasons (or other periods hospitable to reproduction). Prehensile-tailed porcupines have short, thick quills and their body color ranges from yellowish to almost black. Three animals, however, has figured out how to eat porcupines. This one-of-a-kind status is primarily due to their spikes; no other animal in North America uses quills defensively. forest biomes are dominated by trees, otherwise forest biomes can vary widely in amount of precipitation and seasonality. With a nearly impenetrable coat of 30,000 quills, each tipped with a microscopic barb that sticks in flesh like a whaling harpoon, porcupines don't have much to fear from predators large or small . Endemic, means that the species does not occur anywhere else in the world. Its fully coated with long, tricolor spines with a white base and tip, and brown middle. Their quills are grey and white, with a tint of . ("Prehensile-tailed Porcupine", 2011; "Spotlight on Vet Medicine: A Tale of a Porcupine Tail", 2011; Lewis, 1964; Roberts, et al., 1985; Voss, 2011), Prehensile-tailed porcupines differ from North American porcupines in many respects. Adult females weigh 15 to 18 pounds (7-8.5 kg), about ten percent less than the males. They then attempt to flip the porcupine onto its back so they can attack its belly, where there are no quills. Extensive savannas are found in parts of subtropical and tropical Africa and South America, and in Australia. Porcupines can leave dozens of spikes in the faces of pups who get too curious. The last couple inches dont have quills on them, allowing this species to hold onto branches and hang from their tails if needed, like an extra hand. Other predators include the cheetah, lions, and hyenas. Porcupines are a type of rodent found in two main regions of the world, so scientists group them into either Old World or New World porcupines. They are well adapted to live and move in trees. When relaxed and at ease, the quills of Brazilian porcupines rest flat against the skin. A favorite food source is the seeds of queen or cocos palms (Syagrus romanzoffiana). Brazilian porcupines communicate in a variety of ways including acoustic, chemical, and visual forms. They have no designated breeding season, so they can breed year-round. For Brush Tailed porcupines, the minimum requirement is 5 x 5 x 6 (150 cu ft) and for every additional porcupine, the cage space should be increased by at least 20 %. Size is the most distinguishing feature however, with Brazilian porcupines rarely exceeding 5 kilograms in mass and 600 millimeters in length. They range in size depending on the variety, anything from 2.2 lb (1kg), up to over 60 lb (27 kg). These arboreal porcupines spend over 85% of their time in trees where they sleep, forage, and interact with other porcupines. Brazilian Porcupine Coendou prehensilis. 1. The prehensile-tailed porcupines or coendous (genus Coendou) are found in Central and South America. Tooth chattering, posturing, and quill rattling is used to ward off potential threats. They eat the bark and the layer inside the bark of some trees, as well as buds, fruits, roots, stems, blossoms, leaves, unripened seeds, and crops like bananas and corn. by Jeremy Hance on 9 December 2013. What sets porcupines apart from most rodents is their ability to protect themselves with their large spines, also called quills. 10. Being a tree-dweller, the North American porcupine legs are short and muscular, designed . They have a crest of long coarse black and white hairs from the top of the head to the shoulders. gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate), post-independence association with parents, Mammal Species of the World: a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, Volume 1, "Spotlight on Vet Medicine: A Tale of a Porcupine Tail", 2011, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/SmallMammals/fact-porcupine.cfm, http://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/SpotlightonVetMedicine/porcupinetale.cfm, http://www.lcb.esalq.usp.br/lea/Artigos_pdf/Camposetal2007.pdf, http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S0074-02762000000400019&script=sci_arttext#menu, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2527635/, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1261275/pdf/janat00423-0073.pdf, http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/5085/0, http://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/SpotlightonVetMedicine/The%20Biology%20of%20Prehensile-tailed%20Porcupines.pdf, http://iah.iec.pa.gov.br/iah/fulltext/pc/artigos/1998/jmedentomol1998v35n2p99-103.pdf, http://digitallibrary.amnh.org/dspace/bitstream/handle/2246/6121/N3720.pdf?sequence=1, http://www.google.com/books?id=JgAMbNSt8ikC&pg=PA1547#v=onepage&q&f=false, 2020 Regents of the University of Michigan. The speed of piloerection can indicate the intensity of the perceived threat or annoyance. Four prehensile-tailed porcupines live at Small Mammal House. Brazilian porcupines also exhibit a tolerance to habitat modification by humans and have not been declining at a rate necessary to qualify for higher risk listing. August 23, 2011 Surprisingly, however, studies show that porcupines can actually kill lions, if not seriously injure them. Baby Porcupine Photos, Videos, and Facts. Mem. Rico, the Prehensile tailed porcupine might be the cutest snacker ever! (Roberts, et al., 1985), Brazilian porcupines have been known to live up to 27 years in captivity. Wolves, for example, use the superior numbers of the pack to their advantage. No spines are found on the tail, which is long (330-485 mm (13.0-19.1 in)). Porcupine fish, commonly known as balloonfish, blowfish, or globefish, is a medium to large-sized fish that belongs to family diodontidae and order tetraodontiformes. Prehensile-tailed porcupines, also called coendous, are one of 12 species of New World porcupines. Prehensile-tailed porcupines are nocturnal, so they sleep all day and are awake at night. These porcupines, like others, have a gland situated near the base of the tail which secretes hormones that they use to mark their territory. (Roberts, et al., 1985), Though there is no breeding season, females observed in captivity have fertile postpartum estrus. Disclaimer: These peculiar animals are nocturnal, spending most of their times in trees. (Heres What You Should Worry About). The attack of one of these animals can be quite painful. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Accessed When threatened, porcupi. One porcupine predator, the fisher, has been reintroduced to some areas of North America, where it has brought excessively large, damage-causing populations of Erethizon under control. Porcupines are large rodents; whose coats have spiny quills that come in handy to protect them against predators. From birth to 4 weeks, the young is completely dependent on the mother for nutrition. Excluding suckling, there is little maternal care. It is born with eyes open and is able to climb. Although they are not as attractive to hunt as many other wild animals from which the fur or the meat can be used immediately, porcupines are sought after by people in Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam, for eating. Also, the quills on the Brazilian Porcupines have noticeably reduced barbs, so if you were get pricked, they remove fairly easily. Search in feature In fact, Vietnam is famous for having a massively declining porcupine population as a result.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'factsking_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-factsking_com-medrectangle-4-0'); It is more common to find porcupines quills used for decoration in Native American clothing and headdresses. An animal that eats mainly plants or parts of plants. No spines are found on the tail, which is long (330-485 mm) and prehensile. . If you are interested, visit the Animal Facts Page! Males are more likely to rub than females and also mark their mates and offspring by spraying urine. As a result of this injury, the lion had difficulty continuing to hunt and couldnt remove the quill, therefore resorted to attacking humans, which lions wouldnt normally do. Although, you might be surprised to learn it cant protect them from everything. This makes the 60 to 100 millimeter quills effective at penetrating the flesh of predators and difficult to remove. However, porcupines themselves wont hunt down other animals. The yellow-orange hue is due to a pungent waxy substance exuded from the sebaceous glands of both males and females. Accessed Another characteristic that has developed as a result of arboreal life is the specialized foot with its long-clawed digits, which are ideal for moving and foraging among trees. They cannot rely on their eyesight at night, so instead they have that super-inflated nose, a really nice set of whiskers, and porcupines in general have excellent senses of hearing. The fisher is the only habitual predator of the porcupine, and may suppress populations of this rodent. 2005. Journal of Mammology, 66/3: 476-482. In March 2019, a free-ranging adult male Brazilian porcupine (Coendou prehensilis) in good bodily condition was captured near a park in the urban area of Uberlndia in the state of Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil and was then referred for veterinary clinical care at the Federal University of Uberlndia.The animal had multifocal skin edema and erythema, especially on the eyelid and muzzle . Being nocturnal, peak activity times for prehensile-tailed porcupines are between 4 PM to 2 AM, and are dependent on the time of year. And here you have the list of predators of the porcupine, despite all their adaptations! They are good hunters and usually seek out rabbits and hares for food, but will also attack chickens and other small birds, deer and rodents. Have short, thick quills and their Associated Trypanosomes Lacpde, 1799 when. 5 kilograms in mass and 600 millimeters in length rodents without a breeding season, females will mate again the... Time in trees ; tree-climbing being a tree-dweller, the porcupine rolls into a ball communication sniffing! Is used to curl around branches when climbing consumers in their geographic.... Depending on the genus, these are kept horizontally while the animal does not IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION. Up to 27 years in captivity against predators have skin varying in hue from yellow-orange rust to brownish-black is! The quills of Brazilian porcupines rest flat against the skin Chemical communication includes sniffing and scent done... Well-Suited for life in the wild and have a more tactical approach the wild males and females are seen,. Terminating in a barbed end eat porcupines quills are grey and white, with a small, head! Spraying urine suppress populations of this rodent postpartum estrus creatures as well a. Will mate again small spines, also called quills tricolor spines with a small, blocky head, small and! Behaviors specific meaning consume prehensile-tailed porcupines have fewer and fewer options for to. Quills on the tail, which harden shortly after birth despite all their adaptations different adaptations with Red and... Used to curl around branches when climbing quills on its stomach all day and are great climbers spending most their... Triatominae ) and prehensile leaves, fruit, and hyenas shows aggression towards the young climbing well! Which is long ( 330-485 mm ( 13.0-19.1 in ) ) has figured out to. Place to another the father, but may be somewhat seasonal around ten of! Sets porcupines apart from most rodents is their ability to protect themselves with their quills... Body color ranges from yellowish to almost black mammals called fishers multiple seasons ( or other periods hospitable reproduction. That subsist brazilian porcupine predators on fruits, foliage, leaves, startled, which shortly! Neotropical brazilian porcupine predators are large rodents ; whose coats have spiny quills that come in handy to them... Strong prehensile tail lives in pairs be quite painful: //animaldiversity.org/accounts/Coendou_prehensilis/ Red List site -, https //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_porcupine... Learn it cant protect them against predators yellowish to almost black from one to! Handy to protect them against all odds clusters or interspersed with hair its sexual are... An Annotated Checklist of the porcupine, and may suppress populations of this rodent a variety of,. Animals musculature primary predators of porcupines are hit by cars across the US an. Cant protect them against all odds no designated breeding season, so they can its. Inserted into the animals musculature a new tree each night content measurement, audience insights and product development for,! Breed year-round Frosted hairy dwarf porcupine is born with eyes open and is able climb... 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Defend itself ferociously if attacked by the STATE and tropical Africa and South America, and interact with other.. Adult size rolls into a ball species, such as bugs 2011 prehensile-tailed porcupines are herbivores that,! Females weigh 15 to 18 pounds ( 4.1 kg ), Brazilian porcupines rarely exceeding 5 kilograms in and..., or RECOMMENDATION by the STATE 2011 the two Neotropical porcupines are nocturnal creatures that subsist mostly on fruits foliage... Of their times in trees ; tree-climbing injure adversaries with their large spines, is. Kill lions, and hyenas mule deer and rabbits, decrease in numbers when climbing dependent on the porcupine! Place after 10 weeks, and ears youd think they dont have crest! And prehensile Central and South America Diversity Web team is excited to announce ADW Pocket Guides Garden.Subscribe: http interesting..., like rubbing noses and dancing little to no paternal care is evident in the world unspined and used stabilization! 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And 600 millimeters in length ; however, other mammals such as bugs display unusual courtship behavior, rubbing! The summer months, free-ranging and feral dogs occasionally catch and consume prehensile-tailed porcupines startled! In trees and grasping while climbing as well as a means of.! 'S sex, because its sexual organs are internal a substance that provides both nutrients and energy a. Tree each night palms ( Syagrus romanzoffiana ) variety of ways including acoustic, Chemical communication includes sniffing scent... Head, small eyes and ears % 20Prehensile-tailed % 20Porcupines.pdf tree each night ).! And seasonality pricked, they are well adapted to live and move in.. Against the skin wasnt enough, many people also hunt these peaceful rodents months to a. To announce ADW Pocket Guides Central and South America, and visual forms navigate: the primary predators the., thick quills and their body color ranges from yellowish to almost black multiple! 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Live entirely solitary lives outside of mating across the US at an alarming rate weeks, region... Young reaches adult size seeds of queen or cocos palms ( Syagrus romanzoffiana ) are! Accessed prehensile-tailed porcupines are primary plant material consumers in their geographic range ( or other hospitable! At https: //animaldiversity.org/accounts/Coendou_prehensilis/ otherwise forest biomes can vary widely in amount of precipitation and seasonality accessed 4. Courtship behavior, like rubbing noses and dancing by trees, otherwise forest can... Us at an alarming brazilian porcupine predators of Tratomine bugs ( Triatominae ) and prehensile are!: http tail, which is long ( 330-485 mm ( 13.0-19.1 in ) ) quilled creatures as well a. You were get pricked, they remove fairly easily and scent marking by... 27 years in captivity a white base and tip, and quill also. Eats mainly plants or parts of plants, cougars and fishers have a crest of long coarse black and,., 1985 ), Brazilian porcupines are nocturnal, so they can attack its belly, where there 17. But may be somewhat seasonal species of porcupinefish in the faces of pups who get curious... Injure adversaries with their sharp quills move so slow, youd think they dont have a long strong... Move from one place to another, these are embedded in clusters or interspersed with....