Porcupine
The Cape Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) occurs throughout southern African, and is the area’s largest rodent. They have small eyes and ears, rather short whiskers, a spiny head-crest and remarkable black and white quills. Their quills are a formidable defence, and although they occasionally come under attack from lions and leopards, they are generally able to fend off any fatal encounters. Porcupines are monogamous and produce 2 to 3 offspring a year. They are nocturnal animals and spend the night-time hours foraging for bulbs, tubers, roots and other plant matter that comprise the bulk of their diet. Although they are predominantly vegetarian, they have been known to eat decayed meat.
WEIGHT MALE: 18 KG
WEIGHT FEMALE: 20 KG
LENGTH: 80 CM
MATING SEASON: THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Weights & length are averages