PORCUPINE

The African Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) is a large rodent species native to various regions of Africa. Recognizable by its robust body covered in sharp quills or spines, the African porcupine has a distinctive appearance. These quills are modified hairs and serve as a formidable defence mechanism against predators. Nocturnal in nature, the porcupine is active during the night, foraging for a diverse diet that includes roots, tubers, bark, and fruits. Despite their sharp appearance, these creatures are generally shy and prefer to avoid confrontations, relying on their quills as a last line of defence.

Fact Sheet 

Numbers: Common. 

Weight: 10 – 24 kg (22 – 52lb)

Young: Up to 3. 

Diet: Forage at night for roots, fruits, and bark.

Habits: Porcupines are primarily nocturnal. They are solitary animals and use their sharp quills as a defence mechanism when threatened. Porcupines inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, and rocky areas. They are excellent climbers and burrowers, often seeking shelter in dens or rocky crevices during the day.