The Family Echimyidae, commonly known as spiny rats, is a diverse group of rodents native primarily to Central and South America. Members of this family are characterized by stiff, often spiny fur, a robust body, and strong limbs adapted for climbing or burrowing. Echimyids are mostly herbivorous or omnivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, leaves, and occasionally small invertebrates. They inhabit a wide range of environments, from tropical forests to grasslands, and some species are arboreal while others are terrestrial. Ecologically, they play important roles as seed dispersers and as prey for larger predators, contributing to the balance of their ecosystems.