These are a defense mechanism against predators like African lions or hyenas. 1995. 1997). Hystrix is distinct among Old World porcupines due to its shorter tail and the presence of rattle quills at the end of the tail (Nowak 1991). These quills typically lie flat but can be raised in defense if the porcupine feels threatened. (928) 635-2289 | Email, Receive E-Updates They are very adaptable and can be found in forests, on plantations, in rocky or mountainous areas as well as in deserts. This terrestrial biome includes summits of high mountains, either without vegetation or covered by low, tundra-like vegetation. They are nocturnal animals that can travel up to 9 miles (14.5 km) in a night in the wild. Porcupines are considered agricultural pests because they gnaw the bark of plantation rubber trees and eat corn, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, cassava, and young cotton plants (Nowak 1991). A "crest" of spiny hair accentuates the very top of her head, awash in a black-to-white gradient. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. TAXONOMY. About the Animal: The Indian Crested Porcupine is one of the largest porcupines in the world, with quills that may reach up to 16 inches in length. The black and white quills along the head and back of this spiny mammal can be raised into a crest, hence its common name of crested porcupine. They live about 20 years, both in the wild and in captivity. They are terrestrial, rarely climbing trees, but able to swim. Weighing in at approximately 30 pounds and others reaching up to 60, they are the 3rd largest rodent in the world. The Cape porcupine is the largest porcupine in the world, alongside the nearly identical African crested porcupine. Family Hystricidae. The long-tailed porcupine of the Old World is 27.9-48 cm long and its weight varies from 1.5 to 2.3 kg. Temporal activity patterns of crested porcupines Hystrix cristata. Range Italy, Sicily, and Northern Africa (as far south as Tanzania and northern Congo) Habitat Forests, rocky areas, savannas, and deserts . Angelici. Although it is favored in many parts of its range as food, its conservation status is set at least concern. When disturbed, they raise and fan quills to create an illusion of greater size (Nowak 1991). Note on the status of the crested porcupine Hystrix cristata in Italy. The crested porcupine’s scientific name is Hystrix cristata. Individuals may remain in burrows through winter but don't truly hibernate (Nowak 1991). It can grow up to 90 centimeters long and weigh up to 30 kilograms. The meat of these animals is considered a delicacy, and thus they are illegally hunted (Amori and Angelici 1992). They shelter in caves, rock crevices, aardvark holes, or burrows they dig themselves (Grzimek 1990). A terrestrial biome. Patterson. 1997). Hystrix africaeaustralis is found only in sub-saharan Africa, excluding the coastal desert of the southwest. Their distinguishing feature is the coating of the head, nape, tail, and back of the body in long quills. It made its first and only appearance in the season 1 episode "Quillber's Birthday Present." They inhabit a wide range of habitats, from sea level to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft), although they are only marginally present in dense forests and the driest of deserts, and are not found in swampland. Her gentle eyes are a deep brown. Amori, G. and F.M. 2 4 42. Please be sure to do your research on state laws and license requirements prior to contacting us. National Science Foundation Pages 300-307 in B. Grzimek, editor. They range from 25 to 30 inches long and can weigh more than 40 pounds. They are poached for food and killed because they are considered an agricultural pest (Nowak 1991; Amori and Angelici 1992). The crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) also known as the African crested porcupine, is a species of rodent in the family Hystricidae found in Italy, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. Its extensive burrowing is damaging in gardens and other landscaped areas, and run-ins with the porcupines can cause serious illness and injuries to domestic animals and humans. I. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore. US sales only. A landowner permit is needed to trap chipmunks, opossums, porcupines, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, tree squirrels and woodchucks in Maryland. (80.5 cm) long and weighing up to 47 lb. In the wild their diet varies from twigs, berries, barks, leaves, roots, stem and other vegetation depending on the seasons and species of porcupines. They are native to a small range of habitats in temperate and tropical parts of North America, South America, Asia, Southern Europe and Africa. The Crested Porcupine will avoid dense rainforest but can be found in virtually all other types of habitats. The North American porcupine often climbs trees to find food. They feed on roots, bulbs, tuber and bark. Diet Bark, roots, tubers, nuts, fruits, insects, and small vertebrates Weight 22 - 66 lbs. Between one and four young are born in the grass-lined burrow. The body is covered with short hair, and back spines are still soft with individual sensing bristles projecting far beyond the spines (Grzimek 1990). African Crested Porcupine. Eyes and external ears are very small, with long vibrissae on the head (Nowak 1991; Grzimek 1990). Felicioli, A., A. Grazzini, and L. Santini. While ADW staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control. They are tolerant of a range of habitats including mountains, deserts and forests. Bruno, E. and C. Riccardi. African crested porcupines are excellent diggers and live in an extensive burrow systems, caves, rock crevices or aardvark holes. 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. reproduction that includes combining the genetic contribution of two individuals, a male and a female. ... as is the case with this youngster chasing a crested porcupine … Cape porcupines are found across the whole of southern and central Africa, to southern Kenya, Uganda, and Congo at the northern edge of their range. Ge­o­graphic Range. Range. Convergent in birds. Hystrix cristata females do not show aggression to familiar males, but are aggressive to unknowns (Grzimek 1990). The Cape porcupine is the largest porcupine in the world, alongside the nearly identical African crested porcupine. Walker's Mammals of the World, 5th Edition, Vol. The soles of paws are naked and have pads (Grzimek 1990), and their gait is plantigrade (Nowak 1991). Hystrix cristata is listed as endangered (Amori and Angelici 1992) and has, at least in Italy, been protected since 1974 (Bruno and Riccardi 1995). Some scientists say H. cristata was introduced into Italy by the Romans as a game animal, however fossil records indicate their presence back to the Upper Pleistocene (Amori and Angelici 1992). ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. See also Tropical savanna and grassland biome. associates with others of its species; forms social groups. Habitat/Range: Cape porcupines are found in sub-Saharan Africa and are able to inhabit many different types of habitats as long as cover and vegetation are present. The African porcupine is not a climber and forages on the ground. Ever dapper, the Crested Porcupine Friend dresses herself in a simple but stylish black sweater-vest over top of a gray dress shirt and white business ti… Habits his is a nocturnal rodent that lives on the ground with a typically herbivorous diet, eating fruit, roots,… Accessed December 22, 2020 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Hystrix_cristata/. The long-tailed porcupine of the Old World is 27.9-48 cm long and its weight varies from 1.5 to 2.3 kg. Porcupines are a type of rodent found in two main regions of the world, so scientists group them into either Old World or New World porcupines. A 10-year-old male African crested porcupine (Hystrix cristala) was one of an apparently infertile pair in a … Then, historical introductions of this large rodent in Italy can be seen as a "soft" Pleistocene rewilding. There are many similarities between the two families, but for this text, we will consider only the African Crested Porcupine. Undigested fibers are retained in the enlarged appendix and anterior large intestine and broken up by microorganisms (Grzimek 1990). Synapomorphy of the Bilateria. Range. Contributor Galleries These quills broaden at the terminal end and this section is hollow and thin walled, so a hisslike rattle is produced by their vibration (Nowak 1991). J. Small family groups, consisting of an adult pair and various infants and juveniles, share an elaborate burrow system (Grzimek 1990; Felicioli et al. The African crested porcupine is the world’s largest species of porcupine. Crested porcupine was present in Europe during Late Pleistocene. African Crested Porcupine Natural History Range & habitat This species is found in the northern coast of Africa south to Tanzania and northern Congo. Our resident superstar african crested porcupine! native; Habitat. animals that use metabolically generated heat to regulate body temperature independently of ambient temperature. Life Span 5 to 7 Years. (1997), no male weight is transferred to the female, no penile lock occurs, and there are multiple intromissions and multiple thrustings. The quills cannot be thrown at predators but do easily fall out, sometimes giving the illusion of being thrown. A lion with porcupine quills stuck in his face and neck, in South Africa's Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Additional support has come from the Marisla Foundation, UM College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Museum of Zoology, and Information and Technology Services. Classification, To cite this page: To mate, the female raises her tail and the male stands on his hind legs, supporting himself with his forefeet on the female's back (Grzimek 1990). Geographic Range Found in sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and Italy. The crested porcupine is widespread in Africa and Italy. (1995) found that moonlight avoidance was slight and only occurred in open areas (unlike H. indica in which significant moonlight avoidance has been documented). The social life of H. cristata is based on monogamy and long intensive care of young (Grzimek 1990; Felicioli et al. Status Least Concern. According to Felicioli et al. McGraw-Hill, New York. Although they are solitary foragers, they often share their burrows. Looking like a cross between a ferret, a skunk, and a porcupine, the African crested rat may be adorable, but it packs a poisonous punch. The Cape porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) or South African porcupine, is a species of Old World ... being slightly heavier on average than crested porcupine but slightly lighter than Cape porcupines. The North African crested porcupine is nocturnal. The porcupine was thought to have been introduced to Italy by the Romans, but fossil and subfossil remains suggest it was possibly present in Europe in the Upper Pleistocene. Adult African Crested Porcupine. Given their spiny anatomy, mating would be impossible without such an adaptation. A terrestrial biome found in temperate latitudes (>23.5° N or S latitude). "Hystrix cristata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Although it is favored in many parts of its range as food, its conservation status is set at least concern. Hystrix cristata is found in Italy, Sicily, and along the Mediterranean coast of Africa to northern Zaire and Tanzania (Nowak 1991; Amori and Angelici 1992). Cape porcupines are found in sub-Saharan Africa and are able to inhabit many different types of habitats as long as cover and vegetation are present. The diet of the Crested porcupine Hystrix cristata L., 1758 in a Mediterranean rural area. This material is based upon work supported by the These porcupines find shelter in caves, rock crevices, holes or burrows that they might have dug. Whereas, the larger crested porcupine is 60-83 cm long and its body weight is 13-27 kg. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by color family Zeitschrift fr S"ugetierkunde, 60:226-236. Usually, females have only one litter per year (Nowak 1991). Zool., London, 236:43-54. The crested porcupine is found in Italy, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. The quills are a modified hair, made from keratin like human hair, but hardened. 8. South African porcupines are found from sea level to 2000 m above sea level in most areas with vegetation. 1997). Range: Southern Africa. 1990. Range: African continent south of the Sahara to South Africa . These are a defense mechanism against predators like African lions or hyenas. This species is proving to be very adaptable to the varied habitats of it's home range. Reproduction & dwellings: During the day they sleep in caves, rock crevices, burrows or hidden in dense vegetation. ("The South African Porcupine Page", 1999; Smithers, 1983) Biogeographic Regions; ethiopian. Search in feature These animals have been observed to 11,000 feet, that is over two miles high! They live in deserts, rocky outcrops, forests and hillsides. When alarmed, porcupines will … The more common name for this species is the crested porcupine. The crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) also known as the African crested porcupine, is a species of rodent in the family Hystricidae[2] found in Italy, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. Pigozzi, G. and I.J. Habitat: Highly adaptable, living anywhere vegetation is available.They are more likely to be found in open spaces rather than wooded areas, and they seek out rocky crevices, abandoned burrows and caves for shelter. Type Mammal. The North African crested porcupine is the largest. African Crested Porcupine Hystrix cristata. Scientific Name Hystrix africaeaustralis Range Africa Conservation Status Least Concern A Rodent with Quills. The specific name, cristatus, comes from Latin and means provided with a comb, relating to its crest of quills. 1500 E. Route 66 Lutra, 35:44-50. Grants DRL 0089283, DRL 0628151, DUE 0633095, DRL 0918590, and DUE 1122742. To bear young, females often establish a separate den (Nowak 1991). having the capacity to move from one place to another. They are also strictly nocturnal (Nowak 1991; Bruno and Riccardi 1995) although Corsini et al. • African crested porcupines are the largest porcupines in the world and the largest rodent in Africa. Turbo loves to make an appearance at our animal presentations where she educates and entertains. Range: Sub-Saharan Africa. Hystrix are highly adaptable, found in forests, rocky areas, mountains, croplands, and sandhill deserts (Nowak 1991; Grzimek 1990). Mostly herbivorous, this rodent forages long distances in search of food and lives and breeds in underground burrows in monogamy. The crested porcupine is found in Italy, North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Although they have been found at altitudes of 11,480 feet on Mount Kilimanjaro, they are not found in dry, empty deserts or damp forests. New World porcupines live in North, Central, and South America; some examples are the Canadian porcupine, Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine, and Brazilian porcupine. The animal's skull morphology is characteristic in several ways: (1) the infraorbital foramen is greatly enlarged so that portions of the masseter extend through it and arise from the frontal side surface of the snout (hystricomorphous condition); (2) the angular process is inflected on the lower jaw; (3) the nasal cavity is enlarged; (4) prominent pockets-like inflations are prominent in the skull, upper jaw and lacrimal and turbinate bones (reasons for such pockets are unknown, however they do create enlarged areas of attachment for chewing muscles and could possibly allow animals to smell undergrond bulbs during dry periods or wet dry inhaled air); (4) shin and calf bones are fused; (5) the collar bone is greatly reduced; and (6) five teeth in each jaw -- one incisor, one premolar and three molars (Grzimek 1990). Porcupine quills are often used as ornaments and talismans (Nowak 1991). Ordinarily the quills lay flat. Turbo's longest quills can reach up to 13 inches. A substance that provides both nutrients and energy to a living thing. Among rodents, porcupines rank third in terms of size after capybara and beaver. In addition, they commonly gnaw on bones for calcium and to sharpen incisors (Nowak 1991; Grzimek 1990). A porcupine's habitat and range: forests, deserts, and grasslands of North and South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The head, neck, shoulders, limbs and underside of body are covered with coarse, dark brown or black bristles (Nowak 1991). Diet: African spurred porcupines are primarily herbivores, or plant-eaters. Movements and diet of crested porcupines in the Maremma Natural Park, central Italy. 1997. Among their distinguishing features are black-and-white quills on the neck and back that can grow more than a … The African crested porcupine is usually found in rocky, hill country but they are very adaptable animals who make their home in most types of environment, though there are a few exceptions. Porcupines can weigh from 2 to 60 pounds depending on the species. Diet Herbivore. Range & habitat This species is found in the northern coast of Africa south to Tanzania and northern Congo. Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. Mating occurs only at night, both in and out of the burrow (Felicioli et al. Porcupines African Crested Porcupines Order: rodent. It is mostly nocturnal but will sometimes forage for food in the day. Indian crested porcupine and people: This porcupine species is hunted as a source of food in many cultures, and its voracious appetite for human-grown crops makes it a major threat to agriculture. The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students. Hystrix cristata can travel significant distances in search of food (Nowak 1991; Pigozzi and Patterson 1990). Except for the Crested and the North American, all other species are from sub-tropical or tropical climate. Appearance Female porcupines are about one kilogram heavier than males, weighing 10-24 kg and males with a mass of 10-19 kg. Close. A prickly coat of needle-sharp quills is the porcupine's best defense. Newborn weigh only 3% of the mother's body weight. Hystrix cristata individuals usually reach adult weight at one to two years and are usually sexually mature just before then (Grzimek 1990). Posted by 2 days ago. They weigh between 22 and 66 pounds. Nowak, R.M. The African crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) is the largest porcupine in the world. Hystrix cristata is an herbivore that eats bark, roots, tubers, rhizomes, bulbs, fallen fruits and cultivated crops (Nowak 1991; Bruno and Riccardi 1995; Grzimek 1990). Such attacks have been known to kill lions, leopard, hyenas, and humans (Nowak 1991). These porcupines have much longer quills than the North American porcupines you will see in our walkthrough. They spend the h These stronger quills are generally marked with alternating light and dark bands. Common Name Porcupine. They belong to the ‘Old World’ porcupine family – they tend to burrow, rather than climb trees like the porcupines found in North and South America (the ‘New World’). The young leave home for the first time at about two weeks of age, as their quills — soft at birth — begin to harden. 1992. Storch, G. 1990. They inhabit deserts, grasslands and adjoining forests. Whereas, the larger crested porcupine is 60-83 cm long and its body weight is 13-27 kg. The Animal Diversity Web team is excited to announce ADW Pocket Guides! Crested porcupine - WikiMili, The Free Encyclopedia - WikiMili, The Free Encyclopedia Looking like a cross between a ferret, a skunk, and a porcupine, the African crested rat may be adorable, but it packs a poisonous punch. Crested porcupines have high crowned teeth with plane chewing surfaces for grinding plant cells that are then digested in the stomach (Grzimek 1990). Help us improve the site by taking our survey. Their quills measure up to 13 inches long and when confronted by a predictor the porcupines will stomp their feet, click their teeth and rattle the hollow quills. Your African Crested Porcupine stock images are ready. It eats leaves, herbs, twigs and green plants like clover and in the winter it may eat bark. They range widely but prefer broken veld, occuring throughout southern Africa except in the Namib desert. They will dig their own burrows or take over abandoned aardvark burrows. African Crested Porcupine Male. The females have two to three pair of lateral thoracic mammae (Nowak 1991) and males have no scrotum and the penis points backward in the resting position (Grzimek 1990). We are a USDA licensed facility. The porcupine is identified by its specialized hairs or quills. Williams, AZ 86046 (21.4 kg). Nowak (1991) reported that breeding occurs throughout the year at the London Zoo, from July to December in Central Africa, and from March to December in Indian zoos. The crested porcupine is widespread in Africa and Italy. So they need to be housed from 70 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It has been recorded from sea level to 2,550 m (8,370 ft) in Moroccan Anti-Atlas. Range Africa Conservation Status Least Concern A Rodent with Quills. the area in which the animal is naturally found, the region in which it is endemic. The African crested porcupine is one of the largest rodents in the world, weighing up to 30 kilograms (kg), and growing nearly up to 1 meter (m) in length. African Crested Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) Status: Common; not threatened. If the disturbance continues, they stamp their feet, whirr quills and charge the enemy, back end first, attempting to stab with the thicker, shorter quills (Nowak 1991; Grzimek 1990). Diet for porcupines: In terms of food, all species of porcupines are herbivores and vegetables / greens are their staple meals. Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. The average head and body length of the crested porcupine is 600-930 mm, with a tail length of 80-170 mm (Nowak 1991). Porcupines. Acta Theriologica, 35(3-4):173-180. In the Mediterranean, it is known from mainland Italy and the island of Sicily, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia; they are also recorded in Ghana, Libya and along the Egyptian coast. Porcupine or Cape porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) Order Rodentia. Disclaimer: This is an African Crested Porcupine that seems to be looking for something in its cage. Subscribe to our newsletter to never miss a thing Her favorite rewards are sweet potatoes, oranges, and the occasional scratch on the chin! They are believed to have recently gone extinct in the Balkans (Amori and Angelici 1992). Crested Porcupine has somewhat long, coal-colored hair that falls evenly on either side of her head with distinctive, "quill"-like striped locks framing her round face. Male African Crested Porcupine, born 8/5/20, bottle raised and friendly. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. In otherwords, Europe and Asia and northern Africa. Hystrix are terrestrial, rarely climbing trees, but are able to swim (Nowak 1991). Although they have been found at altitudes of 11,480 feet on Mount Kilimanjaro, they are not found in … In rocky areas, they can be found up to a height of 3,700 meters. In the wild, crested porcupines have to face a range of 55 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit and North American ones have to face below freezing to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Sign Up Now. The Cape porcupine is the largest porcupine in the world, alongside the nearly identical African crested porcupine. Habitat: Found in varied habitats. The forefoot of Hystrix has four well-developed, clawed digits (the thumb is regressed), and the hind foot has five (Nowak 1991; Grzimek 1990). He also indicated that captive females in South Africa produced litters throughout the year, mainly from August to March with a peak in January. $750. The quills of crested porcupines serve as an effective defense against predation. Endothermy is a synapomorphy of the Mammalia, although it may have arisen in a (now extinct) synapsid ancestor; the fossil record does not distinguish these possibilities. forest biomes are dominated by trees, otherwise forest biomes can vary widely in amount of precipitation and seasonality. The crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) also known as the African crested porcupine, is a species of rodent in the family Hystricidae found in Italy, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. The animal is characterized by quills along the head, nape, and back that can be raised into a crest, in addition to sturdier quills about 350 mm long along the sides and back half of body generally used for defensive purposes (Nowak 1991). Old World porcupines live in Europe, Africa, and Asia; some examples are the North African crested porcupine, African brush-tailed porcupine, and Indian crested porcupine. 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Posterior ends having body symmetry such that the animal Diversity Web the regions they inhabit, twigs and plants... Mature just before then ( Grzimek 1990 ), oranges, and (! ; Amori and Angelici 1992 ), enemies include lions, leopards, large birds prey. Front feet and 5 on the species, berries, blossoms, leaves loves to make appearance., to cite this page: McPhee, m. 2003 either without vegetation or covered by,! Humans ( Nowak 1991 ) can vary widely in amount of precipitation and seasonality life H.! An adaptation fruit, berries, blossoms, leaves measuring up to 90 centimeters long and up... ), University of Wisconsin Oshkosh burrows through winter but do n't truly (... Are tolerant of a range of habitats including mountains, either without vegetation or covered by,! They have shorter hind legs with four fingers on the ground seen as ``. And heaviest African rodent measuring up to 6,560 feet ( 2,000 m ) winter it may bark.