Hunting Porcupine in Africa

Cape Porcupine Hunting with Eastcape & Karoo Safaris - South Africa

Scientific Name:

Hystrix Africaeaustralis

Shoulder Height:

Mass:

10 - 20 kg

Gestation:

1 - 3 young are born anytime during the year (summer rainfall areas, August - March) after a gestation period of about 3 months.

Diet:

African porcupines are mostly vegetarian, using their strong digging claws to get roots, tubers, and bulbs. They are also fond of fallen fruits and will sometimes gnaw on bark. Their anterior large intestine and enlarged appendix contain microorganisms that break down undigested plant fibers. They have also been reported to eat carrion in some instances. In areas deficient in phosphorous they practice osteophagia, or gnawing on bones. These porcupines will often accumulate large piles of bones in their dens.

African Porcupines are the largest rodent in their region. They are also long-lived for rodents, surviving 12 to 15 years in the wild. These porcupines are covered with flat, bristly hairs and have quills and spines on the posterior back and flanks. They live in North Africa, South Africa and East Africa.

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 white and black crest of spines and quills can be erected at will to make the animal look enormous and threatening. Some spines on the tail are hollow and make a rattling sound when shaken. The very sharp spines and quills come off when touched by a predator or shaken off, but they grow back rapidly. African porcupines also have very long mobile whiskers.

African Porcupines are found from sea level to 2000 m above sea level in most areas with vegetation. They prefer rocky hills and outcrops, as they must have shelter during the day. They often take shelter in caves or antbear holes. They also build dens which can be up to 20m long with a 2m deep living chamber.

5 toes on the front feet, the first toe being reduced to a small stump without a claw. Other toes have well developed claws. 5 toes on the hind-feet, each with a claw. The fore- and hind-feet each show 3 intermediate pads and 2 proximal pads in the spoor.