Tagalong African Crested Porcupine
African crested porcupines (Hystrix cristata), found in sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and Italy, are covered in quills up to 24 inches long which are erected when they are alarmed. This behavior makes them appear large and formidable to predators.
The quills are actually modified hairs and are shed regularly. Specially adapted quills at the end of the tail are hollow in the center and create a hiss-like rattle when vibrated together. If these warnings do not deter a predator, they will charge backwards attempting to drive the thicker, shorter quills of the rump into an enemy. This threat is not to be taken lightly—lions, leopards, hyenas, and even humans have died as a result of crested porcupine attacks!
African crested porcupines are mostly nocturnal, monogamous, and herbivorous.
Fun Fact: African crested porcupines can swim!
The quills are actually modified hairs and are shed regularly. Specially adapted quills at the end of the tail are hollow in the center and create a hiss-like rattle when vibrated together. If these warnings do not deter a predator, they will charge backwards attempting to drive the thicker, shorter quills of the rump into an enemy. This threat is not to be taken lightly—lions, leopards, hyenas, and even humans have died as a result of crested porcupine attacks!
African crested porcupines are mostly nocturnal, monogamous, and herbivorous.
Fun Fact: African crested porcupines can swim!