Cape Porcupine
Hystrix cristata
- Least Concern
- Near Threatened
- Vulnerable
- Endangered
- Critically Endangered
- Extinct in the Wild
- Extinct
Part of the Rodent family, the Cape Porcupine is the largest species of Porcupine in the world. Covered in sharp hollow quills which are coated in keratin, when alarmed the Cape Porcupine will use the quill as part of its defence mechanism by spreading them out and backing towards its threat.
Native Range → |
North and sub-Saharan Africa and Mediterranean Europe |
Natural Habitat → |
Shrubland, grassland, forest and savanna |
Diet → |
Roots, bark and fallen fruit, occasionally insects and small mammals |
Life Expectancy → |
12-15 years in the wild. Up to 20 years in zoos |
Breeding → |
1-3 porcupettes after a 93 - 94 day gestation period |
Group Name → |
Unknown |
Active Hours → |
During the night |
Threats → |
Hunted for meat, habitat loss |
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