Have you heard about the African crested porcupine? It is a really big rodent native to Africa. They’re the biggest porcupine species in the world, growing up to 3 feet long and weighing up to 60 pounds!
Porcupines are known for their unique quills. These sharp, long quills are their main defense against predators, and they can raise and lower them at will. It’s not just for protection though, they also use them to communicate by rattling them when they’re feeling threatened or agitated.
Despite their fearsome quills, porcupines don’t go out of their way to attack people and they usually avoid human settlements. However, farmers consider them pests as they can damage crops and dig up fields.
African crested porcupines are herbivores and mostly eat roots, tubers, and fruit. But they’re also known to have a bit of an adventurous side and eat insects, small vertebrates, and even carrion. They live in groups of up to 20 individuals and communicate with each other through barks, growls, and squeals.
Even though they’re not endangered, African crested porcupines are still facing threats to their survival. Habitat loss and hunting are the biggest culprits, as they’re hunted for their meat and quills which are used for decoration and jewelry.
Luckily, conservation efforts are being made to protect these amazing creatures and their habitats. In some places, porcupine hunting is strictly regulated and there are efforts to preserve their habitats.
In short, African crested porcupines are incredible animals that play a significant role in their ecosystem. They need our help to ensure their survival, and conservation efforts are vital to protecting them and their habitats.
Fabio von Prickles was rescued from a roadside zoo that was closed down in Canada in the summer of 2019. The animals at the roadside zoo were evidence in a court case for about 2 years which meant Carolina Tiger Rescue could not talk about the animals we received from that rescue during that time. The case has now been resolved which means the animals have been permanently placed with Carolina Tiger Rescue and we can now tell about their story. All the animals that used to reside at the roadside zoo were rehomed to legitimate sanctuaries. Carolina Tiger Rescue took in Fabio and 4 coatimundis.
Read more about him HERE!
