PORCUPINE
AJ, a truly handsome fellow, was born right here at Animal Tracks. He loves venturing out of his enclosure for long, leisurely strolls around the compound, always on the lookout for any leftover treats the other animals might have missed! If you get too close, you might hear him rattle his quills—a subtle warning that he means business. And when he really wants to make a point, he’ll stamp his foot for emphasis. His favorite treats include corn on the cob and walnuts.
A fascinating fact about the world’s third-largest rodent is their fearless nature—they have been known to stand their ground against a pride of lions and walk away completely unscathed!
Quillie Eilish, his lovely companion, joined Animal Tracks to be a perfect match for AJ, and the two are getting along wonderfully. We have no doubt they’ll be a strong and lasting pair!
ORDER: RODENTIA
FAMILY: HYSTRICIDAE
GENUS: HYSTRIX
SPECIES: CRISTATA
Most active during nighttime hours, (nocturnal). They eat plant matter (herbivore) and wood, making them lignivores. They are known to eat bones for the calcium and to keep their incisors sharp. They are natural architects creating complex burrow systems for their families. Their quills are not barbed like other porcupines, and they cannot shoot their quills. They must make contact with their opponent. They are social and monogamous. They reproduce in November to December, are pregnant 112 days, normally producing 1 to 2 babies at a time. The babies quills start to harden within hours of birth and the babies can run almost immediately to escape predators, (precocial). They sexually mature at 2 to 3 years of age.
Threats
Farmers poison them as they are attracted to crops. They are hunted for their meat and quills and in Morocco they are killed in large numbers and used in “traditional medicine” and witchcraft.
Conservation Status
LC - Least Concern