African crested porcupine
Hystrix cristata
ok. 76,5 cmAdult male
Body length (excluding tail)
Body length (excluding tail)
od pyska do nasady ogonaMeasurement: side
- Mass
- 10–27 kgDorosłe osobniki
African crested porcupine — size comparison
The African crested porcupine is a large rodent found in Africa and parts of Italy. It inhabits rocky slopes, scrub, woodland and areas near cultivated fields.
Silhouette comparison
Length
od pyska do nasady ogonaReference values · details in the profiles
Body length (excluding tail)Scale in cm
020406080
approx. 76.5 cm
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
African crested porcupine — size comparison — facts and sources
The African crested porcupine is a large rodent found in Africa and parts of Italy. It inhabits rocky slopes, scrub, woodland and areas near cultivated fields. Long hairs form a crest on the head and neck, while strong, contrastingly coloured quills protect the back and sides.
It eats roots, tubers, fruit and other plant material, mainly foraging at night and resting in shelter by day. Strong incisors break up tough food, while digging helps it reach underground plant parts.
It often lives in pairs or family groups. When threatened, it raises its quills and may turn its protected hindquarters towards an attacker. Quills are modified hairs; porcupines do not shoot them.
ADW: głowa i tułów 600–930 mm; ogon 80–170 mm osobno. Wystające kolce nie zwiększają osi ciała; pod sierścią i kolcami punkty są przybliżone. Punkt planszy nie jest średnią populacji, chyba że źródło podaje średnią. Przód jest przybliżoną projekcją.