Scientifically known as a Hystrix africaeaustralis, these prickly rodents mostly recognised by their sharp quills are the largest and heaviest rodent in Africa weighing up to 25 kg.
Male and female porcupines weigh anything from 10 to 25 kg and have sharp quills that grow up to 50 cm long and cover their entire back.
At some point, we have all believed that porcupines shoot out their quills when they feel threatened. In reality, it’s not quite as dramatic. When porcupines feel threatened, they erect their quills, and when the predator attacks, this small creature defends itself by embedding quills into the attacker.
Cape porcupines are herbivores and use their strong digging claws to detach roots, tubers, and bulbs out of the ground. Fruits and the bark of a tree are some of its favourite food too, and oddly enough, porcupines have also been spotted gnawing on bones inside of their burrows.
Offspring are called porcupettes and are born in litters of up to three, weighing anything between 300 to 440 grams.
The weaning period after birth lasts up to four months and the mother cannot conceive for another three to five months after. They are family-oriented creatures and will either travel alone or in their small groups of families.
In some parts of Africa, porcupine quills have been used as good-luck charm ornaments and musical instruments. Apart from being hunted down for their quills, they are hunted for their meat too.
Pictures: Flickr
Sources: Kruger Park, African Wildlife Foundation
