North African Porcupine

The North African Crested Porcupine’s body is covered in bristly hairs, sharp spines and long black and white banded quills. The quills on its head, neck and back can be raised to form a crest which makes it look larger, while the hollow quills of its tail can be moved to make a very distinctive rattling noise. They use this sound during courtship displays, and as a warning to predators. If this threat doesn’t work, the African Porcupine will charge, rear end first, and try to stab the aggressor. It’s very effective as Hyenas, Leopards and even Lions have been killed this way.

North African Crested Porcupines mate for life. They make extensive burrow systems which they share with their mate and several offspring.

These porcupines are extinct in Egypt and seem to be declining in other parts of North Africa too. This is because they are either hunted for food or as an agricultural pest. They are still common throughout sub-Saharan Africa and their numbers in Italy appear to be increasing.