This species occurs in lowland evergreen forest and second growth (Reid 1997). It is mainly diurnal, although sometimes it is seen at night. It is terrestrial. This species eats fruit, soft seeds, and new growth of forest plants. In Veracruz, fruits eaten include figs, hog plums (Spondias mombin), and Brosimum alicastrum. It may be seen alone or in pairs. Pairs occupy territories of 1 to 2 ha. One or two young are born during the dry season. Young are precocious and follow their mother soon after birth (Coates-Estrada and Estrada 1986, Reid 1997). The range of this species is through parts of Mexico with significant loss of forest (Tabasco, Veracruz and northern Oaxaca), and the habitat available to this species is fragmented and not very large (F. Reid pers. comm. 2016). However, Dasyprocta species do well in secondary and disturbed habitats (L. Emmons pers. comm. 2016).

This species occurs in southeastern Mexico including Veracruz, northern Oaxaca, northwestern Chiapas, and western Tabasco (Gilbert and Lacher 2016). It has been introduced to western and eastern Cuba (Gilbert and Lacher 2016). It can be found from sea level to 500 m asl.

This species occurs within a few protected areas in Mexico, but there are currently no conservation actions or plans in place (Vazquez pers. comm. 2019). It is not listed on any endangered species lists in Mexico (Ceballos 2014).