The Family Heptaxodontidae consists of extinct giant rodents that were native to the Caribbean islands, particularly in the Greater Antilles. These rodents were notable for their large size, with some species, like Amblyrhiza, estimated to weigh over 50 kg (110 lbs), making them among the largest rodents to have ever lived. They were herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant materials, and are thought to have played important roles in their island ecosystems as seed dispersers and grazers. Most members of Heptaxodontidae went extinct following human colonization, likely due to hunting and habitat disruption. Their fossils provide valuable insight into the evolution and diversity of Caribbean island mammals.