Apparently this is the biggest porcupine in the world. In the wild: When cornered by a predator, the Cape Porcupine becomes aggressive, running backwards or sideways in an attempt to spear its attacker with its quills. Tail short and covered in hollow rattle-quills (typically > 60 mm) (Barthelmess 2006). These spines also protect porcupines while they're in their burrows or shelters. It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. A large porcupine, up to 50-60 pounds but more commonly 30-45, closely related to the African crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata), with which its range somewhat overlaps. From the head to the base of it’s tail, a cape porcupine measures between 63 and 81cm (25 and 32in) long. For bibliography, click the tab at the top of this page. Subspecies: Hystrix africaeaustralis zuluensis (Roberts, 1936). No major threats. Size Cape Porcupines feed on tree bark – a habit that may help with the health of the African savannah ecosystem – and even gnaw bones. Long quills cover its body, protecting it from predators. 300 to 400 g (0.7 to 0.9 lb) [managed care] (van Aarde 1985). This porcupine rattles special quills on the end of its tail as a warning. If you have a Zoo account, or you're a Zoo Friends member, login below. Cape Porcupine Part of the Rodent family, the Cape Porcupine is the largest species of Porcupine in the world. It is very unlikely that these quills have been ethically harvested. Head rounded. Apparently this is the biggest porcupine in the world. 630-805 mm (2.1-2.64 ft) (de Graff 1981), Tail Length Another amazing adaptation we see here is the quills of an African/Cape porcupine. It turns out Bear might have the heart of a lion. Porcupine quills are not only bleeding sore, they cause wounds that suppurate and which will eventually kill any dog, or even lion or leopard that’s unwise enough to take one on. The only thing you can do if it does come at you is to try and hit it as hard as you can on the nose; that’s the way some lions have learnt to deal with them. All rights reserved. If threatened, may become aggressive and move quickly towards perceived aggressor (e.g., lion) to impale it with defensive quills (de Graff 1981; Barthelmess 2016b). 2005; Barthelmess 2016b). Description The porcupine is the largest rodent in southern Africa. Perth Zoo's Conservation Calendar is back! The dif­fer­ence be­tween quills and spines is largely one of length and thick­ness, with spines up to 50 cm long and quills up to 30 cm long. The legs are short and sturdy, and each foot has five toes, all equipped with powerful claws. The Cape Porcupine measures 63 to 81 centimetres (25 to 32 inches) long from the head to the base of the tail, with the tail adding a further 11–20 centimetres (4.3–7.9 inches). The porcupine is the largest rodent in southern Africa. Facts . The porcupine has quite an … The difference between quills and spines is largely one of length and thickness, with spines up to 50 cm long and quills up to 30 cm long. Here are some fun facts about the fascinating creatures, and a few answers to some earnest questions. managed care; van Aarde 1985], during summer rainy period. Long to very long quills starting from about the waist and covering the rear, black with white bands and tipped with white, some are very sharp but the longest ones are not. Hyenas (de Graff 1981) Slow, shuffling walk. They are covered in quills which is where their name porcupine derives … Can run quickly, when necessary. Activity Cycle Their quills are made up of modified hair attached to their body. They make a rattling sound when the porcupine feels threatened. When attacked, the porcupine freezes.If cornered, it turns vicious and charges to stab its attacker with its quills. Description. Mainly eat plants; take bones back to burrow to chew as a source of dietary minerals, or possibly to sharpen teeth (de Graff 1981). A porcupine's prickly coat of quills is its first line of defense. IUCN Status Claws thick (for digging) (Pillay et al. Quills banded black and white (warning coloration) (Barthelmess 2006, 2016a). Damage young trees; eat shoots, roots, and may remove bark, making trees more susceptible to disease and fire damage (de Graff 1981; Skinner and Chimimba 2005; Barthelmess 2006, 2016b). They make a rattling sound when the porcupine feels threatened. The Cape porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) or South African porcupine, is a species of Old World porcupine native to central and southern Africa . Where spines and quills not present, hair is black, grayish, or brownish (except crest, which is commonly has white tips). Legs relatively short (Barthelmess 2006, 2016b). First conception typically occurs during second year (van Aarde 1985). If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results. The Cape porcupine is very similar to the somewhat smaller crested porcupine ... Like all porcupines, most of the backside and flanks are covered in long spines and quills. Join Zoo News for exclusive updates from Perth Zoo. Reproductive behavior occurs throughout the year (may reinforce pair bond) (van Aarde 1985; Morris and van Aarde 1985; van Aarde and Skinner 1986a, 1986b; van Aarde and van Wyk 1991; Happold 2013; Barthelmess 2016b). Unfortunately for porcupines, their quills have become popular for use in the fashion industry and in décor items. Otherwise, the porcupine may retreat into its burrow, exposing only its quills and making it hard to dislodge. The trouble is, quills keep moving inward. Middle and rear upperbody covered in bristly hairs, long spines, and defensive quills. Their quills are made up of modified hair attached to their body. Sometimes observed sunbathing near shelter entrance (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). Armed with quills reaching up to 20" (50cm) long, they make an incredibly difficult meal - even for the most clever of predators. Cape Porcupines are monogamous. © 2020 San Diego Zoo Global — All Rights Reserved. They live in extended family groups of one breeding pair and their previous litters of offspring. Explore the Zoo after hours. Breeding season varies by location. Otherwise, the porcupine may retreat into its burrow, exposing only its quills and making it hard to dislodge. ); help keep acacia growth in check (de Graff 1981). Both species have long, white, stiletto-like quills running the length of their backs that, when raised, make the animals appear at least twice as large as they actually are. Their tail increases this length by 11-20cm (4.3-7.9in). It’s one prickly baby, an African Cape Porcupine. Porcupine quills are not only bleeding sore, they cause wounds that suppurate and which will eventually kill any dog, or even lion or leopard that’s unwise enough to take one on. Habitat Although the Cape porcupine's quills are not barbed like those of the new world porcupines, they can penetrate very deeply and cause great pain and discomfort. Longevity … Social Behavior Bulbs, roots, shoots, root vegetables (e.g., potatoes, carrots), groundnuts, fruits, stems, and tree bark. Although the Cape porcupine's quills are not barbed like those of the new world porcupines, they can penetrate very deeply and cause great pain and discomfort. One can only pick up a handful of quills that are naturally shed by porcupines in the bush. Begin feeding independently at 5 months old (van Aarde 1987). Every purchase helps save wildlife. Both parents care for offspring. Considered fairly common. Careless predators may end up with quills so deeply embedded that fatal wounds can develop. Rodents make up about 40% of all the mammal species on Earth. Lions have been known to prey on Cape Porcupine. These incredible, large, animals put the North American Porcupine to shame. The quills can be made to rattle when the animal is threatened and can get … With cape porcupine inclusive all porcupines have lined quills which is significant for their hairs. Adults grow to 25-29 inches long and weigh from 20-66 pounds. If its assailant still doesn’t take heed of these warnings, it may get a face full of quills. Newborns and juveniles have high survivorship (Barthelmess 2006). The photo of the quill is mine, the one of the porcupine also downloaded from google images. The Quills can be as long as 30 cm’s! It eats fruit, roots, bulbs and other plant material. Sea level to about 2,000 m (7,000 ft) (Skinner and Chimimba 2005; Barthelmess 2006). Quills banded black and white (warning coloration) (Barthelmess 2006, 2016a). Hystrix africaeaustralis (Cape porcupine), Rooipoort Nature Reserve, South Africa. A crest of erectile long coarse hairs runs from the top of the head along the neck to the shoulder. Porcupines sport a very effective defense: their hair, which has evolved into sharp quills! In a family group, only the dominant female in the adult pair conceives (reproduction suppressed in subadult females). Weight : 10 to 19 kg. Click here or on map for detailed distribution (IUCN). Communication On its tail, the spines are hollow to make a rattling sound. They enter head first, so that their quills will point backward to the burrow's entrance. The porcupine is the largest rodent in southern Africa. The Cape Porcupine is the largest species of porcupine in the world growing up to 90cm long. Population trend: stable (Cassola 2016). 2015). Monogamous (Morris and van Aarde 1985; van Aarde 1998). The porcupine’s body is black. Disclaimer: Although San Diego Zoo Global makes every attempt to provide accurate information, some of the facts provided may become outdated or replaced by new research findings. The Cape porcupine is the largest porcupine in the world, alongside the nearly identical African crested porcupine. Cape Porcupine Part of the Rodent family, the Cape Porcupine is the largest species of Porcupine in the world. Predators In managed care: up to 20 years (Barthelmess 2016b). They mostly live alone, coming together in pairs to breed and raise their young. Common in rocky hills (de Graff 1981). With cape porcupine inclusive all porcupines have lined quills which is significant for their hairs. In addition to being targeted for their quills, they are illegally hunted for their meat. Located about 2 m (6 ft) underground. Nocturnal (de Graff 1981; Corbet 1991). Lactation and Weaning Notes: *Subspecies not recognized by some taxonomic authorities (Barthelmess 2006; Happold 2013). The Cape Porcupine is nocturnal, but can sometimes be spotted during the day. The South African Porcupine has small eyes and ears and rather short whiskers. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Hystrix_africaeaustralis Both the male and female cape porcupines grow to about two feet long and weigh up to 60 pounds. These por­cu­pines are cov­ered with flat, bristly hairs and have quills and spines on the pos­te­rior back and flanks. Dark brown to black. The porcupine does not shoot its quills at predators; rather, it sheds them on impact so that they become imbedded in … Porcupines erect their white and black coloured spines and quills using muscles under their skin, making them appear much bigger and threatening. Found in most vegetation types of southern Africa: savanna grassland, brushland, acacia and miombo woodlands, semi-arid deserts, and margins of lowland and montane tropical forests (Skinner and Chimimba 2005; Barthelmess 2016b; Cassola 2016). Family group uses several burrows within home range (de Graff 1981; Barthelmess 2006; Happold 2013; Barthelmess 2016b). Relationship with Humans Facial whiskers long (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). Although the body is robust, the legs are very stocky and short, while the tail is practically unseen. The cape porcupine is covered in bristly quills varying in thickness. Their body is armed with long pliable spines, flattened bristly hairs and stout sharp quills. Large cats: leopards (Panthera pardus) and lions (P. leo) (de Graff 1981) They are heavily built animals, with stocky bodies, short limbs, and an inconspicuous tail. The spines and quills cover the posterior two thirds of its back and can get up 50cm and 30cm respectively. The interesting bit is the Quills! Cape porcupine considered an ecosystem engineer because of its foraging habits. White patch on side of neck may be present (de Graff 1981; Skinner and Chimimba 2005). Get the latest news and events straight to your inbox. Krantzkloof Nature Reserve < > At a Glance: Size: 70cm: Mass: 30kg max: Lifespan: 12-15 years in the wild: Conservation Status: Least Concern : Description. Most Popular Safaris. Males and females are similar sizes, typically weighing between 18 … Hunted for their meat and quills (Barthelmess 2006, 2016b; Cassola 2016). The spines and quills cover the posterior two thirds of its back and can get up 50cm and 30cm respectively. Porcupine quills have long been a favorite ornament and good-luck charm in Africa. When a would-be attacker approaches, the cape porcupine wags its tail. It is not true that porcupines can “shoot” their quills . No scientific estimates. Length : 84 cm . The quills are banded black and white. Body Weight If cornered, it turns vicious and charges to stab its attacker with its quills. Cape Porcupine Hystrix africaeaustrali Mammal. May occasionally eat carrion. These porcupines are covered with flat, bristly hairs and have quills and spines on the posterior back and flanks. Long to very long quills starting from about the waist and covering the rear, black with white bands and tipped with white, some are very sharp but the longest ones are not. Reported group sizes range from 2 to a maximum of 14 individuals (de Graff 1981; Corbet 1991; Barthelmess 2016b). It has a distinctive appearance with its protective body covering of long rigid quills and flexible spines, banded in black and white. Cape porcupines are the largest rodents in Africa and also the world's largest porcupines. Little overlap between home ranges of adjacent family groups (van Aarde 1998). Go behind-the-scenes to experience our rare and extraordinary animals up-close! Lions have been known to prey on Cape Porcupine. Adults grow to 25-29 inches long and weigh from 20-66 pounds. These spines also protect porcupines while they're in their burrows or shelters. The black and white quills of the Cape porcupine are an iconic African symbol and are sometimes used in curios and other products including lamp shades, bracelets, mirror frames and hats. The Cape Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis)- or the old world porcupines are members of the “Shy Five” Appearance. They weigh from 10 to 24 kilograms (22 to 53 pounds), with exceptionally large specimens weighing up to 30 kg (66 lb). This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. The Cape Porcupine is the largest species of porcupine in the world growing up to 90cm long. Questions and comments may be addressed to library@sandiegozoo.org. In burrow den, young huddle with family members for warmth (Corbet 1991; Barthelmess 2016b). Crest of long hair from top of head to top of shoulders. Reproduction . Despite popular myth, the porcupine isn’t able to throw its quills. If cornered, it turns vicious and charges to stab its attacker with its quills. Armed with quills reaching up to 20" (50cm) long, they make an incredibly difficult meal - even for the most clever of predators. Cape porcupines have a large distribution, ranging across the southern half of Africa. One can only pick up a handful of quills that are naturally shed by porcupines in the bush. One of Africa’s 2 largest rodents (the other is the crested porcupine, Acute hearing; stand motionless when disturbed (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). The practice also sharpens their powerful incisors like a natural toothbrush. Rather, they get stuck in whatever touches the porcupine. When threatened, a porcupine erects its quills and backs towards its assailant. Unfortunately for porcupines, their quills have become popular for use in the fashion industry and in décor items. This is a real African Cape Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) skull! Males: 8 to 18 months (van Aarde and Skinner 1986a) The quills of the cape porcupine are the longest in the world. The word porcupine means “quill pig” in Latin; however, porcupines are large rodents and have no relation to pigs. Here are some of the interesting facts about the cape porcupine. Its proportions are not as attractive as its animal itself. No climbing or jumping abilities (de Graff 1981). Capable diggers (Skinner and Chimimba 2005; Happold 2013). Where spines and quills not present, hair is black, grayish, or brownish (except crest, which is commonly has white tips). 60% of litters have 1 young (Delany 1975; de Graff 1981; van Aarde 1985; Barthelmess 2006, 2016b), Interbirth Interval Overall, dark brown to black (de Graff 1981). Their body is armed with long pliable spines, flattened bristly hairs and stout sharp quills. managed care] (van Aarde 1985). Crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) (Barthelmess 2016b), Range The head is roundish and rather domed, with a blunt muzzle and small eyes and ears. The cape porcupine is known to be the world largest porcupine and it is known to be the largest rodent in Africa. Each porcupine quill has a greasy coating and at the tip is a small, backward projecting barb that serves to work the quills ever deeper into the flesh. 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. Diet and habitat . Arguably the most … When chased by a predator, however, a porcupine will stop suddenly, causing the predator to run into the quills. Diet: The Cape Porcupine is a herbivore. The Cape porcupine has black hair and there is an obvious crest of lighter hair running from the head and down to the shoulders. Here are some of the interesting facts about the cape porcupine. Lactation period: about 100 days, on average (range: 37 to 163 days) [obs. Serious injuries can result when humans or animals come in contact with a porcupine if the eyes, mouth or throat are afflicted. The cape porcupine is known to be the world largest porcupine and it is known to be the largest rodent in Africa. It is very unlikely that these quills have been ethically harvested. Young remain in burrow for 7 to 9 weeks; emerge when quills have hardened (Happold 2013). Another amazing adaptation we see here is the quills of an African/Cape porcupine. When chased by a predator, however, a porcupine will stop suddenly, causing the predator to run into the quills. ” appearance season, between August and March within a small territory the... Heavily built animals, with stocky bodies, short limbs, and subadult and offspring... Across the southern half of Africa skull measures ~5 '' long and weigh 20-66... 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Stamping, raising quills, they get stuck in whatever touches the porcupine may retreat its. Modified hair attached to their body bibliography, click the tab at the of... Cause painful, infected wounds ( de Graff 1981 ; Skinner and Chimimba 2005 Happold. Skull measures ~5 '' long and is avail Hystrix africaeaustralis ) - or the world. And van Aarde 1985 ; van Aarde 1985 ) new plants to grow ( Bragg et al the..., although births are most common during the rainy season, between August and March, with bodies! ( Homeria spp to do, long spines, banded in black and.. Quill pig ” in Latin ; however, porcupines are one of the head down... Long coarse hairs runs from the head along the neck to the burrow 's entrance the spines are hollow make... Foot has five toes, all equipped with powerful claws in length Aarde 1998 ; Barthelmess 2006 2016b. Relatively short ( Barthelmess 2006, 2016a ) and Weaning lactation period about! 2016B ; Cassola 2016 ) ( Happold 2013 ) has small eyes and.!