Habitat: Sub-Sahara Africa
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Tree of Life Trails
The crested porcupine is the largest rodent in Africa. As such, it is very adaptable, being found in nearly any type of habitat on the continent. The only exceptions being the most humid jungle and the hottest part of the desert. Due to its adaptability, it is strong in numbers while many of the species that share its habitat are endangered. It is also found in North Africa and Sicily.
African Crested Porcupine from Disney's Animal Kingdom
The word porcupine stems from the Latin phrase, "quill pig." Like all porcupines, the crested variety has quills and big ones at that. Depending on where its located on its body, the quill ranges from 1 inch to 12 inches in length. Contrary to some belief, the porcupine cannot "shoot" its quills. Instead, when attacked the quills are easily detached staying in the would be predator, an effective defense. Often, if intimidation doesn't work to scare off a lion or hyena, the animal will charge backwards at its predator. Scales on the tips of the quills makes them difficult to remove after they get stuck. Quills essentially being a form of hair, will grow back.
The animal is most common in the hilly, rocky countryside of Africa. They tend to use roots and rocks as shelter in the broken areas. Their preferred food includes roots, tubers and fruit. They have been known damage crops. For that reason, they are often killed on sight by farmers.
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