AFRICAN CRESTED PORCUPINE
African Crested Porcupines are large ground-dwelling rodents covered in dramatic black-and-white quills. When threatened, they raise their crest, rattle specialized tail quills and turn their heavily armored hindquarters toward danger.
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ABOUT AFRICAN CRESTED PORCUPINES
The African Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata) is a large rodent found across parts of northern, western, central and eastern Africa, with populations also occurring in parts of southern Europe. It is one of the largest porcupines in the world.
Layton Aquarium notes that adults may weigh up to about 60 pounds and reach around 3 feet long, not including the tail. Their most recognizable feature is the dramatic coat of black-and-white quills covering much of the back and hindquarters.
The quills are modified hairs used for defense. When threatened, an African Crested Porcupine can raise the long quills along its head and back, making itself look much larger. It may also stamp its feet, click its teeth and rattle hollow quills on its tail.
Porcupines cannot launch their quills. If a threat continues to approach, the animal may turn its rear toward the predator and move backward quickly, bringing the thick defensive quills into contact with the attacker.
African Crested Porcupines are primarily herbivorous. They forage at night for roots, bulbs, tubers, bark and fallen fruit. Like other rodents, their front incisors grow continuously and are kept worn down through feeding and gnawing.
Care & Conservation
The African Crested Porcupine is currently classified as Least Concern. Although the species remains widely distributed, healthy habitat and responsible wildlife management remain important. Porcupines may also come into conflict with people when they feed on agricultural crops or gnaw roots and other vegetation.
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Visit Layton Aquarium & Wildlife Encounters and discover the African Crested Porcupine up close.