porcupines

Some sharp-looking babies have made their public debut at Brookfield Zoo. Twin African crested porcupines named Asha and Calvin were born November 4, 2004. They can now be seen daily in The Fragile Kingdom exhibit along with other members of their family, including their parents, two siblings, grandmother, and aunt.

Weighing just under a pound at birth, baby porcupines are covered with bristly hair that hardens into pointy quills a few hours after birth. The quills, which cover much of their body, are long, stiff, modified hairs made of the same material as human fingernails. Most quills have very sharp ends, but some are hollow and can be shaken (like a rattlesnake’s tail) to warn other animals to stay away. If a porcupine feels threatened it will raise its quills to double its size and as a last resort charge backwards attempting to drive the quills into the predator. The quills detach; they are not “shot.”

African crested porcupines are the largest rodent species on the continent and are considered Old World porcupines. There are several species of porcupines in the Americas, but despite their similar appearance, they are unrelated to their Old World counterparts. The species is found in the southern half of Africa, where they live in small family groups comprising of an adult pair and several consecutive litters commonly sharing a burrow. The female may establish a separate den to bear young. All members of the colony protect the young, but males may be more aggressive to intruders. Burrows may be used for many years and can become quite extensive, having many openings and escape holes.

The species is not endangered. However, because this species raids agricultural areas to feed on crops, it has been exterminated in several parts of its range. In addition, animals are killed for their quills, which are used for ornaments and charms.

Furry Films
Get a look at the small spikes feeding with the other porcupines on exhibit at Fragile Desert (large Windows Media file).