Crested porcupine (Hystrixcristata), belonging to the family Hystricidae also called the African crested porcupine, is one of the largest porcupine species in the world and the only porcupine native to Europe. Head to body size about 60-83cm and can weight 13-27kg.The entire body is covered with dark brown or black bristles quills. The most recognizable feature is the crest of long quills along the head, nape, and back that can be raised when threatened. They’re banded light and dark and aren’t firmly attached – so they detach easily if a predator grabs them. Contrary to myth, they can’t “shoot” quills, Sturdier quills are up to 35 cm long run along the sides and back half. The short tail ends in hollow rattle quills. When vibrated they make a hiss-like rattle, similar to a rattlesnake. Porcupine have Four clawed digits on front feet, five on rear. Naked, padded soles and a plantigrade walk. Eyes and ears are small, but it has long vibrissae and a good sense of smell. Porcupine inhabit shrubs, cropland, grasslands, sparsely vegetated land, woodland, forest, savanna and mountains. It ranges from Italy, North Africa, West, Central and East Africa. Porcupines Spends days in burrows, active at night. It has broad feet with long claws for digging, lives in family groups. Parents and sub-adults both do parental care, and young stay with the family at least 1 year. Crested porcupines can breed year-round. Courtship is elaborate, copulation lasts 24 sec, and litters are 1-2 porcupettes born after 3 months. Porcupettes first emerge from the burrow at 10-15 days old.
Crested porcupines are Herbivorous that tends to feed on roots, tubers, bark, crops. In human-dominated areas they often use farmland, which can lead to conflict. Crested porcupines are Old World porcupines which are large, ground-dwelling, with quills grouped in clusters. While the New World porcupines are usually smaller, have singly-attached quills, and are excellent tree climbers. Lifespan up to 28 years conservation status least concern according to IUCN.
