Porcupine, African Crested

Common Name

Porcupine, African Crested

Scientific Name

Hystrix africaeaustralis

Habitat

Forests, mountains, grasslands, and savannahs. Like their North American cousins, they are very adaptable and can live in almost any habitat. These porcupines are mainly terrestrial.

Status

Population Management Plan, Least concern

Diet

Roots, bark, foliage, fruit, crops, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. Sometimes large bones will be found in their dens. This is not because crested porcupines are carnivores, it is because of their intense drive to chew stuff.

Zoo Location

African Savannah

Range

Sub-Saharan Africa excluding the Southwestern deserts.

Physical Description

Length: 60 - 93 cm (23 - 26 in)

Weight: 10 - 30 kg (22 - 26 lb)

Description

These are the largest rodents in Africa. They have quills sticking out of them that are as long as their entire body. Like other porcupines, these are used to defend themselves from predators. These quills are called 'rattle quills' because a porcupine shakes them to get them on end, and since they are hollow they make a rattling noise. Their black and white colouration serves to warn predators not to come any nearer.

Threats

Though their numbers are relatively stable, crested porcupines are often hit by cars and are hunted because they eat farmer's crops.