brush-tailed porcupine

The brush-tailed porcupine is a type of Old World porcupine belonging to the genus Atherurus. These rodents are characterized by a tuft of large, beaded bristles on their tails.1

Porcupines, in general, are large, herbivorous rodents known for their quills, which are modified hairs. They are typically active from early evening to dawn and have short, stocky legs. While Old World porcupines have quills embedded in clusters, New World porcupines have single quills interspersed with bristles. It's important to note that porcupines cannot throw their quills; they detach easily when touched. Brush-tailed porcupines are known to move swiftly and can climb, jump, and swim.2