African Crested Porcupine Natural History

Range & habitat

This species is found in the northern coast of Africa south to Tanzania and northern Congo. They are tolerant of a range of habitats including mountains, deserts and forests.

Habits

his is a nocturnal rodent that lives on the ground with a typically herbivorous diet, eating fruit, roots, and bulbs. Some also gnaw on dry bones. 1-2 young are born after a gestation period of 90-112 days, females typically give birth only once a year, in a grass-lined chamber within a burrow system.  The young are born fully developed, and the spines, which are initially soft harden within a few hours.  The young begin to take solid food within 2 weeks, and are fully weaned between 13-19 weeks after birth.

Size

Body Length; 80cm

Tail Length; 10cm

Weight; 25kg

Threats
This is a wide spread species which can live in a wide variety of habitats, and as such it is not threatened by extinction.

The African Crested Porcupine at Sandwich Wildlife Park

Sandwich Wildlife Park is home to a single female crested porcupine called Nancy, thanks to her punk hair style!

Nancy was actually born at Wingham Wildlife Park, where a number of porcupines are born every year, however shortly after birth she was attacked by her sister and had to be removed for hand rearing to protect her.  She has grown up really well and the only lasting scars is some superficial damage to her ear.