African crested porcupine

mammal

Also known as: Hystrix cristata

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July 22, 2026

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The African crested porcupine is a species of large, herbivorous rodent known for its quills, which are modified hairs used for defense. These quills detach easily when an attacker makes contact, serving as a passive defense mechanism rather than an aggressive act. Porcupines are generally solitary and not aggressive, preferring to avoid conflict.12

Quills are made of keratin and grow back after being shed. Old World porcupines, like the African crested porcupine, have quills embedded in clusters, while New World porcupines have individual quills interspersed with bristles and hair. The African crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) is found in Italy, Sicily, and parts of Africa, and its quills can grow quite long, though they commonly measure between 12–30 cm.3

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porcupine
Old World porcupines (family Hystricidae)
European populations of the African crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) retreat into their dens during storms and cold spells, but they do not hibernate. This species lives in Italy and Sicily, where it may have been introduced by human beings, and in Britain, where it was certainly introduced.
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European populations of the African crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) retreat into their dens during storms and cold spells, but they do not hibernate. This species lives in Italy and Sicily, where it may have been introduced by human beings, and in Britain, where it was certainly introduced.
Read More