This species is primarily herbivorous, with a diet consisting of leaves, fruit, bark, reptiles, insects and other small animals (Borroto-Páez and Woods 2012). It is a terrestrial, cave-dwelling and arboreal species, with many populations living in mangrove forest (Borroto-Páez and Mancina 2006). It is found in all types of habitats such as montane cloud forests, arid coastal semi-deserts, semi-deciduous forests, low, marshy areas, mangroves and even in the mountains of Cuba. This species can climb trees; however, it is more often found on the ground, mangrove and crevices of coastal zones. The species lives in pairs in dense forests and in big colonies in crevices and caves (Borroto-Páez 2011).

Sexual maturity in females is once they have a body mass of around 2,100 g, or around the age of 10 months. The gestation period is between 120 to 130 days and the highest percentages of pregnant and lactating females occurs in the first months of the year. After this time 1-5, but generally two, fully developed young are born. These are nursed for about 153 days. The life span of the species in captivity is up to 11 years (Berovides Alvarez and González 1991, Borroto-Páez et al. 1992, Borroto-Páez 2011).

Desmarest's Hutia (Capromys pilorides) is known from mainland Cuba and many offshore islands within the Cuban archipelago, including the Isle of Youth and the archipelagos of Canarreos, Jardines de la Reina, and Sabana-Camagüey Archipelagos (Borroto-Páez 2011, Borroto-Páez and Ramos 2012).

The species is found in many protected areas in Cuba, and is monitored in many of the areas where it occurs. Further research is needed on the population and threats.