ExploreMammals

Crested Porcupine

Hystrix cristata

The Crested Porcupine is a spiky animal known for its long quills. When it feels scared, it can raise its quills to look bigger and protect itself. They are mostly nocturnal and love to dig in the ground for food.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Crested Porcupine is a large rodent covered in dark, spiky quills, typically black or dark brown. It has a distinctive crest of long, bristly quills on its head and neck, making it look much bigger and more formidable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilyHystricidaeGenusHystrix
Crested Porcupine
furry trait badgecrested trait badgesolitary trait badgeomnivorous trait badge
Crested Porcupine

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Porcupines are surprisingly good at swimming across water!

Some quills can be over a foot long, longer than a school ruler!

They are the heaviest porcupines in the world!

They can make a loud rattling sound with their tail quills!

Special abilities

Ability

Quill Armor

Crested Porcupine has sharp, detachable quills that act like armor, protecting them from predators when raised and rattled.

Ability

Underground Architect

Crested Porcupine can dig extensive burrows with powerful claws, creating safe homes and finding tasty roots underground.

Ability

Night Vision Navigator

Crested Porcupine can forage for food in complete darkness using their amazing sense of smell, helping them find hidden snacks.

Measurements & details

Length
60-93 cm
Weight
8-27 kg
Lifespan
10-20 years
Top Speed
20 km/h
Litter Size
1-4
Gestation
90-112 days

Diet & Feeding

They are mostly vegetarian, munching on roots, fruits, and tree bark.

Primary Foods

  • Roots
  • Tubers
  • Tree Bark
  • Fallen Fruits
  • Bulbs
  • Fungi

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Keep a safe distance from porcupines, as their quills can be sharp!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Crested Porcupine?

60-93 cm

How much does Crested Porcupine weigh?

8-27 kg

How long does Crested Porcupine live?

10-20 years

How fast can Crested Porcupine move?

20 km/h

What does Crested Porcupine eat?

They are mostly vegetarian, munching on roots, fruits, and tree bark.

Where is Crested Porcupine usually found?

Grasslands

How does Crested Porcupine hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Crested Porcupine usually have?

1-4

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