Crested Porcupine
December 13, 2006
The Crested Porcupine, also known as the European Porcupine, African Porcupine, or North African crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata). It is a member of the Old World porcupine family. It is a nocturnal rodent that lives on the ground. It is found from Sicily, Italy, the northern coast of Africa south to Tanzania and northern Congo. It is tolerant of a range of habitats including mountains, deserts, and forests.
The Crested Porcupine grows 23.62 to 32.68 inches (60 to 83 cm) long with a tail 3.15 to 6.7 inches (8 to 17 cm) long. It weighs 28.66 to 59.52 pounds (13 to 27 kg). It is covered in quills. It can live up to 21 years in captivity.