Description: The Cape Porcupine is the largest rodent in Africa. Long quills cover its body, protecting it from predators. The black-and-white speckled quills grow up to 50 cm long. They break off easily but grow back rapidly. Despite popular myth, the porcupine isn’t able to throw its quills. The porcupine’s body is black. Females are generally 1 kg heavier than males.

Diet: Cape Porcupines are omnivores, mainly eating fruit, roots, bulbs and other plant material. They will occassionally eat insects and small vertebrates.

In the wild: When cornered by a predator, the Cape Porcupine becomes aggressive, running backwards or sideways in an attempt to spear its attacker with its quills. It also rattles the short quills on its tail. If its assailant still doesn’t take heed of these warnings, it may get a face full of quills. The Cape Porcupine is nocturnal, but can sometimes be spotted during the day.

Cape Porcupines are monogamous. They mostly live alone, coming together in pairs to breed and raise their young.

Threats: The Cape Porcupine is widespread, however, because of its taste for underground food, farmers consider them pests as they eat potatoes and other root vegetables.