CAPE PORCUPINE
Cape Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis)
Weight: Up to 24 kg.
Body length: 67 cm.
Characteristic: The porcupine is the largest rodent in Africa and the fourth largest in the world. The body is covered in long spines up to 50 cm in length, interspersed with thicker, sharply pointed, defence quills up to 30 cm long, and with bristly, blackish or brownish fur. The spines on the tail are hollow, and used to make a rattling sound to scare away predators. When attacked, the porcupine freezes. If cornered, it turns vicious and charges to stab its attacker with its quills.
Weight: Up to 24 kg.
Body length: 67 cm.
Characteristic: The porcupine is the largest rodent in Africa and the fourth largest in the world. The body is covered in long spines up to 50 cm in length, interspersed with thicker, sharply pointed, defence quills up to 30 cm long, and with bristly, blackish or brownish fur. The spines on the tail are hollow, and used to make a rattling sound to scare away predators. When attacked, the porcupine freezes. If cornered, it turns vicious and charges to stab its attacker with its quills.
