It eats fruit, roots, bulbs and other plant material. Description: The Cape Porcupine is the largest rodent in Africa. 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). Communication Long quills cover its body, protecting it from predators. This is a real African Cape Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) skull! It also boasts shorter, thicker quills that are even sharper and more dangerous than it’s spines. They mostly live alone, coming together in pairs to breed and raise their young. No climbing or jumping abilities (de Graff 1981). Warning display includes feet stamping, raising quills, and shaking rattle-quills on tail (Barthelmess 2016b). The black-and-white speckled quills grow up to 50 cm long. The quills can be made to rattle when the animal is threatened and can get … This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. It turns out Bear might have the heart of a lion. Males and females are similar sizes, typically weighing between 18 … The head is roundish and rather domed, with a blunt muzzle and small eyes and ears. They enter head first, so that their quills will point backward to the burrow's entrance. 2015). Legs relatively short (Barthelmess 2006, 2016b). These large rodents are the perfect example of a diverse species. Social Behavior The Quills can be as long as 30 cm’s! Here are some of the interesting facts about the cape porcupine. Rump covered in short spines that lay flat against body (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). 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. Located about 2 m (6 ft) underground. Go behind-the-scenes to experience our rare and extraordinary animals up-close! They enter head first, so that their quills will point backward to the burrow's entrance. Considered fairly common. Cape porcupines mate throughout the year, although births are most common during the rainy season, between August and March. The quills themselves are essentially modified hairs. If cornered, it turns vicious and charges to stab its attacker with its quills. The spines and quills cover the posterior two thirds of its back and can get up 50cm and 30cm respectively. No scientific estimates. Cape porcupines are the largest rodents in Africa and also the world's largest porcupines. Newborns and juveniles have high survivorship (Barthelmess 2006). Movements If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results. Longevity The Cape porcupine is the largest porcupine in the world, alongside the nearly identical African crested porcupine. They break off easily but grow back rapidly. For bibliography, click the tab at the top of this page. The quills on the neck and back are black and white and the tips of the tail quills can range up to 20 inches long. Crest of long hair from top of head to top of shoulders. © 2020 San Diego Zoo Global — All Rights Reserved. Contrary to popular myth, a porcupine’s quills will not fire at enemies but rather will loosely embed in … Claws thick (for digging) (Pillay et al. 1. Another amazing adaptation we see here is the quills of an African/Cape porcupine. Reported group sizes range from 2 to a maximum of 14 individuals (de Graff 1981; Corbet 1991; Barthelmess 2016b). ); help keep acacia growth in check (de Graff 1981). Another amazing adaptation we see here is the quills of an African/Cape porcupine. 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. It’s one prickly baby, an African Cape Porcupine. San Diego (CA): San Diego Zoo Global; [accessed YYYY Mmm dd]. 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. The porcupine is the largest rodent in southern Africa. Lions have been known to prey on Cape Porcupine. head. Mating System 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. The Cape porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) or South African porcupine, is a species of Old World porcupine native to central and southern Africa . Activity Cycle 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. Both the male and female cape porcupines grow to about two feet long and weigh up to 60 pounds. The Cape Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis)- or the old world porcupines are members of the “Shy Five” Appearance. 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. It is not true that porcupines can “shoot” their quills . Found in most vegetation types of southern Africa: savanna grassland, brushland, acacia and miombo woodlands, semi-arid deserts, and margins of lowland and montane tropical forests (Skinner and Chimimba 2005; Barthelmess 2016b; Cassola 2016). The hollow rattle quills serve as musical instruments and were once used as containers for gold dust. [photos Trevor Hardaker ©] Identification. Main tunnels can be 20 m (60 ft) long. Locomotion 93 days, on average (van Aarde 1985; van Aarde and Skinner 1986b), Litter Size Length : 84 cm . Cape porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis). Overall, dark brown to black (de Graff 1981). Join Zoo News for exclusive updates from Perth Zoo. The interesting bit is the Quills! https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Hystrix_africaeaustralis 1 to 3 young (some reports of up to 4). Sometimes observed sunbathing near shelter entrance (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). The South African Porcupine has small eyes and ears and rather short whiskers. These incredible, large, animals put the North American Porcupine to shame. In addition to being targeted for their quills, they are illegally hunted for their meat. Explore the Zoo after hours. Careless predators may end up with quills so deeply embedded that fatal wounds can develop. On its tail, the spines are hollow to make a rattling sound to scare away predators. Also hunted by humans for their meat and quills (Barthelmess 2016b). 10 Days Uganda Safari tour; 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking; 5 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking Cape porcupines seem to be [clarification needed] the world's fourth heaviest living rodents, after the capybara and the Eurasian and North American beavers. 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. Cape porcupines are one of the world’s largest porcupine species. 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. Crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) (Barthelmess 2016b), Range In a family group, only the dominant female in the adult pair conceives (reproduction suppressed in subadult females). On its tail, the spines are hollow to make a rattling sound. Learn more about porcupines, quills, and dogs and what you need to do if your dog is "quilled" by a porcupine. Do Porcupine Shoot Quills? Otherwise, the porcupine may retreat into its burrow, exposing only its quills and making it hard to dislodge. The Cape Porcupine is the largest species of porcupine in the world growing up to 90cm long. They make a rattling sound when the porcupine feels threatened. Slow, shuffling walk. Habitat Pair defends territory, which shifts in size and location over time and from season to season (van Aarde 1998; Corbet 1991; Skinner and Chimimba 2005; Barthelmess 2016b). Begin feeding independently at 5 months old (van Aarde 1987). http://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/cape-porcupine. Its proportions are not as attractive as its animal itself. The Quills can be as long as 30 cm’s! Males: 8 to 18 months (van Aarde and Skinner 1986a) Common in rocky hills (de Graff 1981). Diet and habitat . Porcupines erect their white and black coloured spines and quills using muscles under their skin, making them appear much bigger and threatening. Gestation The photo of the quill is mine, the one of the porcupine also downloaded from google images. They weigh from 10 to 24 kilograms (22 to 53 pounds), with exceptionally large specimens weighing up to 30 kg (66 lb). Adult pairs have daily bonding behaviors, such as mutual grooming (Corbet 1991). 630-805 mm (2.1-2.64 ft) (de Graff 1981), Tail Length Quills banded black and white (warning coloration) (Barthelmess 2006, 2016a). When attacked, the porcupine freezes.If cornered, it turns vicious and charges to stab its attacker with its quills. Middle and rear upperbody covered in bristly hairs, long spines, and defensive quills. If contact is made the porcupine’s quills can become dislodged and embedded in face and body of its pursuer. Diet and habitat . 2015). Body robust; heavy build. 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. 2005; Barthelmess 2016b). 1 year (van Aarde 1987), Birth Weight The African porcupine is the largest rodent in the regions they inhabit. Description: The Cape Porcupine is the largest rodent in Africa. In the wild: about 10 years (Barthelmess 2016b) Diet: The Cape Porcupine is a herbivore. One of Africa’s 2 largest rodents (the other is the crested porcupine, Acute hearing; stand motionless when disturbed (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). The interesting bit is the Quills! In burrow den, young huddle with family members for warmth (Corbet 1991; Barthelmess 2016b). They are covered in quills which is where their name porcupine derives … Quills banded black and white (warning coloration) (Barthelmess 2006, 2016a). 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. Dark brown to black. A landowner permit is needed to trap chipmunks, opossums, porcupines, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, tree squirrels and woodchucks in Maryland. Similar-looking species 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. Their body is armed with long pliable spines, flattened bristly hairs and stout sharp quills. 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… Questions and comments may be addressed to library@sandiegozoo.org. But what can these small mammals really do with their home-grown needles. Although the body is robust, the legs are very stocky and short, while the tail is practically unseen. Click here or on map for detailed distribution (IUCN). One can only pick up a handful of quills that are naturally shed by porcupines in the bush. Most young born August to March (peak in January) [obs. 300 to 400 g (0.7 to 0.9 lb) [managed care] (van Aarde 1985). From the head to the base of it’s tail, a cape porcupine measures between 63 and 81cm (25 and 32in) long. 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). It is not true that porcupines can “shoot” their quills . Unfortunately for porcupines, their quills have become popular for use in the fashion industry and in décor items. Live in family group comprised of an adult breeding pair, and subadult and juvenile offspring. Predators Population trend: stable (Cassola 2016). Can run quickly, when necessary. Where spines and quills not present, hair is black, grayish, or brownish (except crest, which is commonly has white tips). Capable diggers (Skinner and Chimimba 2005; Happold 2013). Adults grow to 25-29 inches long and weigh from 20-66 pounds. In managed care: up to 20 years (Barthelmess 2016b). Weight : 10 to 19 kg. The quills themselves are essentially modified hairs. The practice also sharpens their powerful incisors like a natural toothbrush. 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! Here are some of the interesting facts about the cape porcupine. If you have a Zoo account, or you're a Zoo Friends member, login below. Mother suckles young almost continuously the first two weeks; then, more intermittently up to 20 weeks of age (van Aarde 1985). Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Global. When Nova Scotia SPCA enforcement officers first saw the dog in late April, things looked bleak. Where spines and quills not present, hair is black, grayish, or brownish (except crest, which is commonly has white tips). Rather, they get stuck in whatever touches the porcupine. (note: replace YYYY Mmm dd with date accessed, e.g., 2019 Dec 31). The spines covering the body measure about 50mm in length, with sharp black defence quills scattered in … This skull measures ~5" long and is avail Arguably the most … Adapted from www.d-maps.com according to IUCN fact sheet. They are heavily built animals, with stocky bodies, short limbs, and an inconspicuous tail. A porcupine's prickly coat of quills is its first line of defense. With cape porcupine inclusive all porcupines have lined quills which is significant for their hairs. 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. It has a distinctive appearance with its protective body covering of long rigid quills and flexible spines, banded in black and white. This porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) is known as the Cape Porcupine, the African Porcupine and South African Porcupine. This porcupine rattles special quills on the end of its tail as a warning. Reproductive behavior occurs throughout the year (may reinforce pair bond) (van Aarde 1985; Morris and van Aarde 1985; van Aarde and Skinner 1986a, 1986b; van Aarde and van Wyk 1991; Happold 2013; Barthelmess 2016b). 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). Quills are not barbed. Females: 12 to 14 months (Barthelmess 2016b); may be earlier in managed care (van Aarde 1985). It can be found in most habitats with the exception of the Namib Desert coastal strip. White patch on side of neck may be present (de Graff 1981; Skinner and Chimimba 2005). 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. A crest of erectile long coarse hairs runs from the top of the head along the neck to the shoulder. They break off easily but grow back rapidly. Large cats: leopards (Panthera pardus) and lions (P. leo) (de Graff 1981) 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. The porcupine does not shoot its quills at predators; rather, it sheds them on impact so that they become imbedded in … Coloration … 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. Cape porcupines are the largest rodents in Africa and also the world's largest porcupines. Monogamous (Morris and van Aarde 1985; van Aarde 1998). Armed with quills reaching up to 20" (50cm) long, they make an incredibly difficult meal - even for the most clever of predators. 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. Description The porcupine is the largest rodent in southern Africa. Here are some fun facts about the fascinating creatures, and a few answers to some earnest questions. This skull measures ~5" long and is avail It also rattles the short quills on its tail. 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