Young remain in burrow for 7 to 9 weeks; emerge when quills have hardened (Happold 2013). Porcupine quills are commonly found embedded in the muzzle, face, head, and neck of dogs, but can be found anywhere. A long crest runs down the back of its head and neck. Here are some fun facts about the fascinating creatures, and a few answers to some earnest questions. The South African Porcupine has small eyes and ears and rather short whiskers. If cornered, it turns vicious and charges to stab its attacker with its quills. Similar-looking species 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. 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) It is not true that porcupines can “shoot” their quills . Its proportions are not as attractive as its animal itself. Mating System Cape Porcupine Part of the Rodent family, the Cape Porcupine is the largest species of Porcupine in the world. Males: 8 to 18 months (van Aarde and Skinner 1986a) A Porcupine’s Scientific Name is Erethizon Dorsatum and Hystricidae. The quills themselves are essentially modified hairs. Forage at night, singly or near each other in a small group: parent–offspring groups or adult pairs (possible mate guarding) (van Aarde 1987; Barthelmess 2016b). Large cats: leopards (Panthera pardus) and lions (P. leo) (de Graff 1981) Lions have been known to prey on Cape Porcupine. Activity Cycle Description The porcupine is the largest rodent in southern Africa. Relationship with Humans Habitat 10.0-24.1 kg (22.0-52.1 lb) (Barthelmess 2006, 2016b), Head-body Length Cape Porcupine Hystrix africaeaustrali Mammal. All rights reserved. These porcupines are covered with flat, bristly hairs and have quills and spines on the posterior back and flanks. It has a distinctive appearance with its protective body covering of long rigid quills and flexible spines, banded in black and white. The Cape porcupine is the largest porcupine in the world, alongside the nearly identical African crested porcupine. In a family group, only the dominant female in the adult pair conceives (reproduction suppressed in subadult females). managed care] (van Aarde 1985). Long quills cover its body, protecting it from predators. Quills banded black and white (warning coloration) (Barthelmess 2006, 2016a). Claws thick (for digging) (Pillay et al. Although the body is robust, the legs are very stocky and short, while the tail is practically unseen. Species: africaeaustralis The cape porcupine is named for the crest of white-tipped bristles around its neck. They live in extended family groups of one breeding pair and their previous litters of offspring. The spines covering the body measure about 50mm in length, with sharp black defence quills scattered in … Their body is armed with long pliable spines, flattened bristly hairs and stout sharp quills. The Cape Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis)- or the old world porcupines are members of the “Shy Five” Appearance. The interesting bit is the Quills! The quills can be made to rattle when the animal is threatened and can get … 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. Monogamous (Morris and van Aarde 1985; van Aarde 1998). Despite popular myth, the porcupine isn’t able to throw its quills. It’s not because they are carnivore but because of the minerals it gets from them. Cape porcupines have a large distribution, ranging across the southern half of Africa. San Diego (CA): San Diego Zoo Global; [accessed YYYY Mmm dd]. 2015). Population trend: stable (Cassola 2016). 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. Longevity 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). Rodents make up about 40% of all the mammal species on Earth. Long quills cover its body, protecting it from predators. 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. Predators In managed care: up to 20 years (Barthelmess 2016b). Their quills are made up of modified hair attached to their body. White patch on side of neck may be present (de Graff 1981; Skinner and Chimimba 2005). 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. Middle and rear upperbody covered in bristly hairs, long spines, and defensive quills. 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. Size 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! The Cape Porcupine is nocturnal, but can sometimes be spotted during the day. Young begin eating solid food at about 4 weeks (sometimes earlier) (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). Careless predators may end up with quills so deeply embedded that fatal wounds can develop. The porcupine’s body is black. General Appearance On its tail, the spines are hollow to make a rattling sound. This skull measures ~5" long and is avail Most Popular Safaris. The cape porcupine is covered in bristly quills varying in thickness. (note: replace YYYY Mmm dd with date accessed, e.g., 2019 Dec 31). 630-805 mm (2.1-2.64 ft) (de Graff 1981), Tail Length Grunting, snuffling noises, and piping calls (Skinner and Chimimba 2005; Happold 2013). The Cape Porcupine is the largest species of porcupine in the world growing up to 90cm long. The Internet connection is missing right now, but you're able to browse previously opened pages offline. Well-developed sense of smell; scent mark feeding areas (de Villiers et al. These spines also protect porcupines while they're in their burrows or shelters. Hyenas (de Graff 1981) Rather, they get stuck in whatever touches the porcupine. They are covered in quills which is where their name porcupine derives from as in French ‘ porc espin ’ means spined pig. Help to reduce populations of bulbs that are poisonous to cattle (Homeria spp. Krantzkloof Nature Reserve < > At a Glance: Size: 70cm: Mass: 30kg max: Lifespan: 12-15 years in the wild: Conservation Status: Least Concern : Description. They are covered in flat, prickly hairs, and have sharp quills of up to 30 cm long and spines of 50 cm on their flanks and back. Overall, dark brown to black (de Graff 1981). c2019. Capable diggers (Skinner and Chimimba 2005; Happold 2013). The porcupine has quite an … Common in rocky hills (de Graff 1981). Crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) (Barthelmess 2016b), Range It turns out Bear might have the heart of a lion. Females are generally 1 kg heavier than males. The Cape Porcupine is very abundant in the Hantam National Botanical Garden in the Northern Cape. The word porcupine means “quill pig” in Latin, and the entire back and flank area of a porcupine is covered with sharp, black and white quills that can grow up to 50 cm long. Adapted from www.d-maps.com according to IUCN fact sheet. The belief that porcupines can shoot their quills is an old wives' tale. The practice also sharpens their powerful incisors like a natural toothbrush. One can only pick up a handful of quills that are naturally shed by porcupines in the bush. Available for students in Year 4 and above, as well as community groups. Most young born August to March (peak in January) [obs. Locomotion Reported group sizes range from 2 to a maximum of 14 individuals (de Graff 1981; Corbet 1991; Barthelmess 2016b). Adults grow to 25-29 inches long and weigh from 20-66 pounds. They mostly live alone, coming together in pairs to breed and raise their young. The trouble is, quills keep moving inward. They weigh from 10 to 24 kilograms (22 to 53 pounds), with exceptionally large specimens weighing up to 30 kg (66 lb). The black-and-white speckled quills grow up to 50 cm long. Quills banded black and white (warning coloration) (Barthelmess 2006, 2016a). When a would-be attacker approaches, the cape porcupine wags its tail. 60% of litters have 1 young (Delany 1975; de Graff 1981; van Aarde 1985; Barthelmess 2006, 2016b), Interbirth Interval Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Global. No scientific estimates. When chased by a predator, however, a porcupine will stop suddenly, causing the predator to run into the quills. The cape porcupine’s tail is covered in hollow quills that make a rattling sound. Least Concern (2016 assessment) (Cassola 2016). They break off easily but grow back rapidly. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results. 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. THe porcupine does not shoot its quills out in defence, as it is rumoured to do. 10 Days Uganda Safari tour; 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking; 5 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking Despite popular myth, the porcupine isn’t able to throw its quills. Sometimes observed sunbathing near shelter entrance (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). Adults grow to 25-29 inches long and weigh from 20-66 pounds. This porcupine rattles special quills on the end of its tail as a warning. Forage above the ground (Happold 2013). 2015). When attacked, the porcupine freezes.If cornered, it turns vicious and charges to stab its attacker with its quills. It eats fruit, roots, bulbs and other plant material. Weight : 10 to 19 kg. Newborns and juveniles have high survivorship (Barthelmess 2006). 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. 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. 105-130 mm (4.13-5.1 in) (n = 2) (Barthelmess 2006; Happold 2013; Barthelmess 2016b). A porcupine's prickly coat of quills is its first line of defense. Here are some of the interesting facts about the cape porcupine. This is a real African Cape Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) skull! With cape porcupine inclusive all porcupines have lined quills which is significant for their hairs. Explore the Zoo after hours. Hystrix africaeaustralis (Cape porcupine), Rooipoort Nature Reserve, South Africa. The quills of the cape porcupine are the longest in the world. Both parents care for offspring. Reproduction . Warning display includes feet stamping, raising quills, and shaking rattle-quills on tail (Barthelmess 2016b). They enter head first, so that their quills will point backward to the burrow's entrance. Both the male and female cape porcupines grow to about two feet long and weigh up to 60 pounds. 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. 1 to 3 young (some reports of up to 4). Cape porcupines are the largest rodents in Africa and also the world's largest porcupines. The Internet connection is missing right now, but you're able to browse previously opened pages offline. These large rodents are the perfect example of a diverse species. The quills are banded black and white. The Cape porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) or South African porcupine, is a species of Old World porcupine native to central and southern Africa . The porcupine is the largest rodent in southern Africa. Crest of long hair from top of head to top of shoulders. Lions have been known to prey on Cape Porcupine. If contact is made the porcupine’s quills can become dislodged and embedded in face and body of its pursuer. May occasionally eat carrion. 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. If cornered, it turns vicious and charges to stab its attacker with its quills. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Eyes and ears small. Porcupines sport a very effective defense: their hair, which has evolved into sharp quills! Porcupines erect their white and black coloured spines and quills using muscles under their skin, making them appear much bigger and threatening. 300 to 400 g (0.7 to 0.9 lb) [managed care] (van Aarde 1985). Sexual Maturity The longest spines grow as long as the animal's body and quills only eight inches shorter. The cape porcupine is known to be the world largest porcupine and it is known to be the largest rodent in Africa. They make a rattling sound when the porcupine feels threatened. Apparently this is the biggest porcupine in the world. When chased by a predator, however, a porcupine will stop suddenly, causing the predator to run into the quills. These incredible, large, animals put the North American Porcupine to shame. Body robust; heavy build. 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. Unfortunately for porcupines, their quills have become popular for use in the fashion industry and in décor items. The black-and-white speckled quills grow up to 50 cm long. Breeding season varies by location. Adult male–female pair spends most time within a small territory at the core of a larger, non-defended home range. Cape porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis). Join Zoo News for exclusive updates from Perth Zoo. Otherwise, the porcupine may retreat into its burrow, exposing only its quills and making it hard to dislodge. The word porcupine means “quill pig” in Latin; however, porcupines are large rodents and have no relation to pigs. Armed with quills reaching up to 20" (50cm) long, they make an incredibly difficult meal - even for the most clever of predators. Rump covered in short spines that lay flat against body (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). Movements The photo of the quill is mine, the one of the porcupine also downloaded from google images. Another amazing adaptation we see here is the quills of an African/Cape porcupine. Cape Porcupine Part of the Rodent family, the Cape Porcupine is the largest species of Porcupine in the world. Males and females are similar sizes, typically weighing between 18 … On its tail, the spines are hollow to make a rattling sound to scare away predators. Cape porcupines are one of the world’s largest porcupine species. Otherwise, the porcupine may retreat into its burrow, exposing only its quills and making it hard to dislodge. This is a real African Cape Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) skull! Their body is armed with long pliable spines, flattened bristly hairs and stout sharp quills. Southern half of Africa (Congo–Uganda, southward) (Barthelmess 2016b). 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. Each Cape Porcupine is covered in bristly quills which vary in thickness. Not Really! It is not true that porcupines can “shoot” their quills . Every purchase helps save wildlife. Hunted for their meat and quills (Barthelmess 2006, 2016b; Cassola 2016). Where spines and quills not present, hair is black, grayish, or brownish (except crest, which is commonly has white tips). Where spines and quills not present, hair is black, grayish, or brownish (except crest, which is commonly has white tips). 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. 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. In burrow den, young huddle with family members for warmth (Corbet 1991; Barthelmess 2016b). Main tunnels can be 20 m (60 ft) long. 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 themselves are essentially modified hairs. 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. This porcupine rattles special quills on the end of its tail as a warning. Porcupine quills have long been a favorite ornament and good-luck charm in Africa. Live in family group comprised of an adult breeding pair, and subadult and juvenile offspring. 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. managed care; van Aarde 1985], during summer rainy period. Description: The Cape Porcupine is the largest rodent in Africa. These porcupines are covered with flat, bristly hairs and have quills and spines on the posterior back and flanks. Populations in the Wild Dig holes that open up soil surface, allowing water to seep into ground and new plants to grow (Bragg et al. 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. No climbing or jumping abilities (de Graff 1981). Parental Care 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. If you have a Zoo account, or you're a Zoo Friends member, login below. In the wild: about 10 years (Barthelmess 2016b) Body Weight 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. Adapts well to agricultural areas (Pillay et al. The Cape porcupine is the largest porcupine in the world, alongside the nearly identical African crested porcupine. One of Africa’s 2 largest rodents (the other is the crested porcupine, Acute hearing; stand motionless when disturbed (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). Their tail increases this length by 11-20cm (4.3-7.9in). 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. Communication Get the latest news and events straight to your inbox. They break off easily but grow back rapidly. The African porcupine is the largest rodent in the regions they inhabit. 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. Breeding 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. 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