African Crested Porcupine

The African crested porcupine (or Hystrix cristata) is a large species of rodent found in the semi-deserts, savannahs, and montane areas of Central and Northern Africa, as well as Italy. Its coarse, bristled fur is dark brown to black in colour, with its most distinctive feature being the black and white quills that grow from the middle of its neck, across its back and sides, and down its tail. These quills are raised upright when the porcupine feels threatened, and are very sharp. The African crested porcupine has a blunt, rounded snout, small eyes, and round ears. Its body is stout with short, stocky limbs. There is no sexual dimorphism exhibited by this species, and males and females are difficult to tell apart. They reach a length between 60cm and 83cm and weigh between 13kg and 27kg.