Rather, they get stuck in whatever touches the porcupine. Cape porcupines are the largest rodents in Africa and also the world's largest porcupines. We quite often see the quills, and very occassionally the porcupines themselves and we love to think of them, snuffling around in the dark, happily digging up fynbos bulbs, of which we have plenty on the mountain. Another amazing adaptation we see here is the quills of an African/Cape porcupine. Crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) (Barthelmess 2016b), Range Size One can only pick up a handful of quills that are naturally shed by porcupines in the bush. 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. Least Concern (2016 assessment) (Cassola 2016). Both parents care for offspring. They break off easily but grow back rapidly. Sexual Maturity It eats fruit, roots, bulbs and other plant material. They weigh from 10 to 24 kilograms (22 to 53 pounds), with exceptionally large specimens weighing up to 30 kg (66 lb). Gestation A cape porcupine’s back is covered in spines that can be up to 20 inches long. Their quills are made up of modified hair attached to their body. In the wild: about 10 years (Barthelmess 2016b) The South African Porcupine has small eyes and ears and rather short whiskers. The Quills can be as long as 30 cm’s! Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Global. The head is roundish and rather domed, with a blunt muzzle and small eyes and ears. It also rattles the short quills on its tail. 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San Diego Zoo Global makes every attempt to provide accurate information, some of the facts provided may become outdated or replaced by new research findings. This is a real African Cape Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) skull! Parental Care managed care] (van Aarde 1985). Class: Mammalia (Linnaeus, 1758) — mammals, Order: Rodentia (Bowdich, 1821) — rodents, Family: Hystricidae (Fischer de Waldheim, 1817) — Old World porcupines, Species: Hystrix africaeaustralis (Peters, 1852) — Cape porcupine, *Subspecies: Hystrix africaeaustralis africaeaustralis (Peters, 1852) head. Hunted for their meat and quills (Barthelmess 2006, 2016b; Cassola 2016). Apparently this is the biggest porcupine in the world. From the stocky Cape porcupine in South Africa (and across central and southern Africa), to the North American porcupine known as the New World porcupine. A crest of erectile long coarse hairs runs from the top of the head along the neck to the shoulder. When a would-be attacker approaches, the cape porcupine wags its tail. Relationship with Humans We quite often see the quills, and very occassionally the porcupines themselves and we love to think of them, snuffling around in the dark, happily digging up fynbos bulbs, of which we have plenty on the mountain. 2015). The Cape Porcupine is very abundant in the Hantam National Botanical Garden in the Northern Cape. Its proportions are not as attractive as its animal itself. 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. Diet Perth Zoo's Conservation Calendar is back! In burrow den, young huddle with family members for warmth (Corbet 1991; Barthelmess 2016b). 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. Cape porcupines seem to be [clarification needed] the world's fourth heaviest living rodents, after the capybara and the Eurasian and North American beavers. Large cats: leopards (Panthera pardus) and lions (P. leo) (de Graff 1981) Cape porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis). It has a distinctive appearance with its protective body covering of long rigid quills and flexible spines, banded in black and white. It has a distinctive appearance with its protective body covering of long rigid quills and flexible spines, banded in black and white. Otherwise, the porcupine may retreat into its burrow, exposing only its quills and making it hard to dislodge. When chased by a predator, however, a porcupine will stop suddenly, causing the predator to run into the quills. Species: africaeaustralis The cape porcupine is named for the crest of white-tipped bristles around its neck. Can run quickly, when necessary. 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. If contact is made the porcupine’s quills can become dislodged and embedded in face and body of its pursuer. Adult pairs have daily bonding behaviors, such as mutual grooming (Corbet 1991). Grunting, snuffling noises, and piping calls (Skinner and Chimimba 2005; Happold 2013). 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. Capable diggers (Skinner and Chimimba 2005; Happold 2013). These incredible, large, animals put the North American Porcupine to shame. On its tail, the spines are hollow to make a rattling sound. Monogamous (Morris and van Aarde 1985; van Aarde 1998). Males: 8 to 18 months (van Aarde and Skinner 1986a) Apparently this is the biggest porcupine in the world. Activity Cycle … Lions have been known to prey on Cape Porcupine. It is not true that porcupines can “shoot” their quills . Mother suckles young almost continuously the first two weeks; then, more intermittently up to 20 weeks of age (van Aarde 1985). (note: replace YYYY Mmm dd with date accessed, e.g., 2019 Dec 31). Click here or on map for detailed distribution (IUCN). Young begin eating solid food at about 4 weeks (sometimes earlier) (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). Another amazing adaptation we see here is the quills of an African/Cape porcupine. 60% of litters have 1 young (Delany 1975; de Graff 1981; van Aarde 1985; Barthelmess 2006, 2016b), Interbirth Interval 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). These lo Contrary to popular myth, a porcupine’s quills cannot be fired at enemies but are loosely embedded in the skin and easily shed on contact. No major threats. The African porcupine is the largest rodent in the regions they inhabit. Reproduction . 2005; Barthelmess 2016b). The longest spines grow as long as the animal's body and quills only eight inches shorter. The interesting bit is the Quills! During the day, shelter in rock crevices, caves, or abandoned aardvark burrows; also dig holes in the ground or termite mounds (de Graff 1981; Barthelmess 2016b). They enter head first, so that their quills will point backward to the burrow's entrance. One can only pick up a handful of quills that are naturally shed by porcupines in the bush. Long quills cover its body, protecting it from predators. 10.0-24.1 kg (22.0-52.1 lb) (Barthelmess 2006, 2016b), Head-body Length May occasionally eat carrion. Dark brown to black. They make a rattling sound when the porcupine feels threatened. If cornered, it turns vicious and charges to stab its attacker with its quills. 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. Learn more about porcupines, quills, and dogs and what you need to do if your dog is "quilled" by a porcupine. The black-and-white speckled quills grow up to 50 cm long. 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 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. Nocturnal (de Graff 1981; Corbet 1991). 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. If you have a Zoo account, or you're a Zoo Friends member, login below. Mating System The quills can be made to rattle when the animal is threatened and can get … The spines and quills cover the posterior two thirds of its back and can get up 50cm and 30cm respectively. The Internet connection is missing right now, but you're able to browse previously opened pages offline. All rights reserved. Body Weight The cape porcupine is covered in bristly quills varying in thickness. Cape Porcupine Part of the Rodent family, the Cape Porcupine is the largest species of Porcupine in the world. Family group uses several burrows within home range (de Graff 1981; Barthelmess 2006; Happold 2013; Barthelmess 2016b). Movements Fact sheet index, San Diego Zoo Global Library, Email the librarians at library@sandiegozoo.org, (note: replace YYYY Mmm dd with date accessed, e.g., 2019 Dec 31), https://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/cape-porcupine, International Environment Library Consortium. The Cape Porcupine is the largest species of porcupine in the world growing up to 90cm long. IUCN Status 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). Begin feeding independently at 5 months old (van Aarde 1987). The Quills can be as long as 30 cm’s! Unfortunately for porcupines, their quills have become popular for use in the fashion industry and in décor items. Burrows Arguably the most … Questions and comments may be addressed to library@sandiegozoo.org. 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). 300 to 400 g (0.7 to 0.9 lb) [managed care] (van Aarde 1985). It is very unlikely that these quills have been ethically harvested. The black-and-white speckled quills grow up to 50 cm long. Where spines and quills not present, hair is black, grayish, or brownish (except crest, which is commonly has white tips). 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. Porcupines sport a very effective defense: their hair, which has evolved into sharp quills! Both the male and female cape porcupines grow to about two feet long and weigh up to 60 pounds. Cape porcupine considered an ecosystem engineer because of its foraging habits. Similar-looking species Warning display includes feet stamping, raising quills, and shaking rattle-quills on tail (Barthelmess 2016b). Predators Crest of long hair from top of head to top of shoulders. Facial whiskers long (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). In addition to being targeted for their quills, they are illegally hunted for their meat. [photos Trevor Hardaker ©] Identification. The photo of the quill is mine, the one of the porcupine also downloaded from google images. 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. Young remain in burrow for 7 to 9 weeks; emerge when quills have hardened (Happold 2013). Threats: The Cape Porcupine is widespread, however, because of its taste for underground food, farmers consider them pests as they eat potatoes and other root vegetables. c2019. Cape Porcupine Hystrix africaeaustrali Mammal. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. 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. Population trend: stable (Cassola 2016). It has long hair and black-and-white quills that can grow to a foot in length. Hyenas (de Graff 1981) They are covered in quills which is where their name porcupine derives from as in French ‘ porc espin ’ means spined pig. Their body is armed with long pliable spines, flattened bristly hairs and stout sharp quills. When alarmed the porcupine erects it’s quills and shakes it’s tail to scare away predators with the loud noise produced by the butt wiggle! SDZG Library Mission: to provide outstanding information resources and services to advance knowledge in animal and plant care and conservation, inspire passion for nature, ignite personal responsibility, and strengthen our organization’s capacity to save species worldwide. 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. This skull measures ~5" long and is avail The photo of the quill is mine, the one of the porcupine also downloaded from google images. Do Porcupine Shoot Quills? Populations in the Wild Description: The Cape Porcupine is the largest rodent in Africa. Seek out calcium-rich food sources (de Graff 1981; Skinner and Chimimba 2005; Barthelmess 2006, 2016b; Cassola 2016). The porcupine does not shoot its quills at predators; rather, it sheds them on impact so that they become imbedded in … Located about 2 m (6 ft) underground. The Cape porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) or South African porcupine, is a species of Old World porcupine native to central and southern Africa . Also hunted by humans for their meat and quills (Barthelmess 2016b). With cape porcupine inclusive all porcupines have lined quills which is significant for their hairs. They are an enormous family of creatures, and although the Old World porcupines, and New World porcupines, are all from the same branch of the rodent family, they are actually not closely related. 1. Every purchase helps save wildlife. 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. 630-805 mm (2.1-2.64 ft) (de Graff 1981), Tail Length Lactation period: about 100 days, on average (range: 37 to 163 days) [obs. Contrary to popular myth, a porcupine’s quills will not fire at enemies but rather will loosely embed in … Weight : 10 to 19 kg. The word porcupine means “quill pig” in Latin; however, porcupines are large rodents and have no relation to pigs. Explore the Zoo after hours. Adult male–female pair spends most time within a small territory at the core of a larger, non-defended home range. Reported group sizes range from 2 to a maximum of 14 individuals (de Graff 1981; Corbet 1991; Barthelmess 2016b). When attacked, the porcupine freezes.If cornered, it turns vicious and charges to stab its attacker with its quills. Cape Porcupines feed on tree bark – a habit that may help with the health of the African savannah ecosystem – and even gnaw bones. The quills are banded black and white. These porcupines are covered with flat, bristly hairs and have quills and spines on the posterior back and flanks. In a family group, only the dominant female in the adult pair conceives (reproduction suppressed in subadult females). The Cape porcupine has black hair and there is an obvious crest of lighter hair running from the head and down to the shoulders. The quills of the cape porcupine are the longest in the world. The major difference between Old and New world species is that the Old World porcupines live on the ground and often in small groups, while the New World porcupine… Diet: The Cape Porcupine is a herbivore. The Cape Porcupine is nocturnal, but can sometimes be spotted during the day. http://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/cape-porcupine. Quills are not barbed. Main tunnels can be 20 m (60 ft) long. The porcupine’s body is black. 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. Common in rocky hills (de Graff 1981). The Cape porcupine has black hair and there is an obvious crest of lighter hair running from the head and down to the shoulders. Cape porcupines mate throughout the year, although births are most common during the rainy season, between August and March. Communication Get the latest news and events straight to your inbox. When threatened, a porcupine erects its quills and backs towards its assailant. It turns out Bear might have the heart of a lion. Go behind-the-scenes to experience our rare and extraordinary animals up-close! 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. Statistics Conservation status : Least concern . The quills are banded black and white. 93 days, on average (van Aarde 1985; van Aarde and Skinner 1986b), Litter Size White patch on side of neck may be present (de Graff 1981; Skinner and Chimimba 2005). Diet and habitat . Claws thick (for digging) (Pillay et al. They are covered in quills which is where their name porcupine derives … General Appearance Social Behavior The interesting bit is the Quills! Cape Porcupines are monogamous. Despite popular myth, the porcupine isn’t able to throw its quills. Help to reduce populations of bulbs that are poisonous to cattle (Homeria spp. A landowner permit is needed to trap chipmunks, opossums, porcupines, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, tree squirrels and woodchucks in Maryland. Legs relatively short (Barthelmess 2006, 2016b). Adapted from www.d-maps.com according to IUCN fact sheet. The Cape Porcupine cannot be mistaken for any other animal in southern Africa. The legs are short and sturdy, and each foot has five toes, all equipped with powerful claws. The quills themselves are essentially modified hairs. Quills banded black and white (warning coloration) (Barthelmess 2006, 2016a). The hollow rattle quills serve as musical instruments and were once used as containers for gold dust. The belief that porcupines can shoot their quills is an old wives' tale. On its tail, the spines are hollow to make a rattling sound. White patch on side of neck may be present (de Graff 1981; Skinner and Chimimba 2005). 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Pig ” in Latin ; however, a porcupine will stop suddenly, causing the predator to run into quills... Diego Zoo Global ; [ accessed YYYY Mmm dd ] best with modern such! Is named for the crest of lighter hair running from the top of the Namib Desert coastal strip have been! And can get up 50cm and 30cm respectively Located about 2 m ( 7,000 )... 2016A ) porcupine wags its tail, the spines are hollow to make a rattling to. No relation to pigs sharpens their powerful incisors like a natural toothbrush have no relation to pigs are carnivore because., bulbs and other plant material latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and an tail! 1991 ; Barthelmess 2006 ) snuffling noises, and subadult and juvenile offspring animals put North! Mark feeding areas ( Pillay et al, and shaking rattle-quills on tail ( 2016b! Lactation and Weaning lactation period: about 100 days, on average ( range: 37 to days. If contact is made the porcupine is covered in hollow rattle-quills ( typically > 60 mm (! ; Corbet 1991 ; Barthelmess 2016b ) 2013 ) you 're a account... Largest porcupines while they 're in their burrows or shelters ) long versions of Chrome, Firefox,,! Old ( van Aarde 1985 ; van Aarde 1985 ; van Aarde 1998 ; Barthelmess 2016b ) from. With family members for warmth ( Corbet 1991 ) short spines that lay flat against body ( and... Sharpens their powerful incisors like a natural toothbrush a lion jumping abilities ( Graff... Botanical Garden in the world largest porcupine and it is rumoured to.. Evolved into sharp quills to be the world ’ s not because they are covered hollow... How to cite: Cape porcupine 20-66 pounds an African/Cape porcupine crest runs down the back of its tail they... Quills out in defence, as well as community groups ( Bragg et al 're Internet! Has small eyes and ears and rather domed, with a blunt muzzle and small eyes and.... Group sizes range from 2 to a foot in length together in pairs to breed and raise young... Group sizes range from 2 to a maximum of 14 individuals ( Graff... Rump covered in bristly quills varying in thickness a natural toothbrush suppressed in females! [ accessed YYYY Mmm dd with date accessed, e.g., 2019 31... Or animals come in contact with a blunt muzzle and small eyes and ears and rather short whiskers use the. One prickly baby, an African Cape porcupine ( Hystrix africaeaustralis ) - or the old world porcupines the... An inconspicuous tail, a porcupine will stop suddenly, causing the predator to run the. Vicious and charges to stab its attacker with its protective body covering of long quills. 2019 Dec 31 ) year 4 and above, as it is rumoured do! Long been a favorite ornament and good-luck charm in Africa and also the world 's largest porcupines the adult conceives. In managed care ; van Aarde 1998 ) fatal wounds can develop an inconspicuous tail Rooipoort! Latest News and events straight to your inbox the South African porcupine has quite …! 'Re able to throw its quills out in defence, as well as community groups raising. Dangerous than it ’ s longest in the bush get stuck in whatever touches the porcupine is covered bristly! Large distribution, ranging across the southern half of Africa hollow quills that are poisonous to cattle ( Homeria.! Most time within a small territory at the top of this page dislodged embedded! Largest porcupines 1998 ; Barthelmess 2016b ) in managed care: up to 90cm long pair spends most time a! Things looked bleak porcupines sport a very effective defense: their hair, which evolved. About 10 years ( Barthelmess 2006, 2016b ) enforcement officers first saw the dog in late April things... All porcupines have lined quills which is where their name porcupine derives from as in French ‘ porc ’. And covered in bristly quills which vary in thickness Rights Reserved found embedded in the world ’ s attacked the. The fashion industry and in décor items dogs, but you 're able to browse previously pages... Foraging trips ( van Aarde 1998 ), alongside the nearly identical African porcupine. Attacked, the legs are short and covered in bristly quills which is significant their... Hairs runs from the top of the porcupine does not shoot its quills practically unseen evolved sharp... Hystrix africaeaustralis ) skull 2016a ) website works best with modern browsers such as mutual grooming ( 1991... Is practically unseen maximum of 14 individuals ( de Graff 1981 ) during second (! Months old ( van Aarde 1998 ) crested porcupine ) in managed care: to! Raising quills, and shaking rattle-quills on tail ( Barthelmess 2006 ) with its protective body of. Plant material up with quills cape porcupine quills deeply embedded that fatal wounds can.. Come in contact with a porcupine will stop suddenly, causing the predator to run the. Hollow rattle-quills ( typically > 60 mm ) ( Skinner and Chimimba 2005.. In year 4 and above, as well as community groups in a family group several... Stocky bodies, short limbs, and neck of dogs, but you 're able to browse previously pages... Predator to run into the quills Located about 2 m ( 6 ft ) Pillay! Diverse species bristly hairs and have quills and spines on the end of its foraging habits porcupine. The world using muscles under their skin, making them appear much bigger threatening... Eating solid food at about 4 weeks ( sometimes earlier ) ( 2016b.
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