Old world porcupine
The Old World porcupine is a group of rodents belonging to the family Hystricidae, comprising around ten species across three genera: Hystrix, Atherurus, and Trichys. These animals are characterized by their stocky bodies covered in fur and long, sharp quills that provide significant defense against predators. Unlike their New World counterparts, Old World porcupines do not have barbed quills and primarily inhabit various environments across Africa, Europe, and Asia, including dense forests and arid regions.
The smallest species, the brush-tailed porcupine, measures between 14 to 19 inches in length and weighs between 3 to 8 pounds, while the crested porcupine can grow up to three feet long and weigh up to 60 pounds. These porcupines are herbivorous, feeding on roots, fruits, nuts, and other vegetation, often foraging near human settlements. They typically give birth to one or two young after a gestation period of 90 to 110 days, with the young nursing for about 13 to 19 weeks. The defensive behavior of Old World porcupines includes a unique method of retreating backward into attackers, using their quills effectively. With a lifespan of around 21 years, these animals have developed a successful strategy for survival in various habitats.
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Old world porcupine
Porcupines are safe from other animals because of the long, sharp quills, or needles, on their back. Predators will only attack porcupines when there is no other food available.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Hystricidae
Genus: Various (see below)
Species: Various (see below)
There are around 10 Old World porcupine species in three genera—Hystrix, Atherurus, and Trichys. The smallest are the brush-tailed porcupines in the genus Atherurus, with a head and body length between 14 and 19 inches (35 to 48 centimeters) and weighing between three and eight pounds (1 1/2 to 3 1/2 kilograms). The crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) is a large species with a head and body length between two and three feet (1/2 to 1 meter) and weighs between 28 and 60 pounds (12 to 27 kilograms). Porcupines are covered with fur and have long, sharp quills, or needles, extending from their stocky bodies. Separating them from New World porcupines, they lack barbs on their quills. All porcupines have whiskers that help them find their way around.
Old World porcupines live in many habitats in Africa, Europe, and Asia. Some live in thick forests, while others live in desert areas. Unlike New World porcupines, they do not climb trees.
Old World porcupines eat roots, bulbs, fruit, berries, and plants. They also eat nuts, potatoes, pumpkins, melons, and corn when near human settlements.
Mating habits differ between species. After a 90 to 110-day gestation period (duration of pregnancy), females give birth to one or two young. They drink their mother's milk for 13 to 19 weeks and reach maturity after two years.
Usually, porcupines are safe from other animals because of their long, sharp quills. Predators only attack a porcupine if no other food source is available. When a porcupine fights another animal, it runs backward into its attacker, poking it with its quills. The quills easily come off the porcupine and stick into the predator. Even if the porcupine dies in the fight, the predator may later die from the wound from the porcupine's quill.
The lifespan of the Old World porcupine is about 21 years.
Bibliography
"Hystricidae - Old World Porcupines." PBS, nhpbs.org/wild/hystricidae.asp. Accessed 1 May 2024.
Myers, Phil. "Hystricidae." Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Hystricidae. Accessed 1 May 2024.
"Porcupine." San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/porcupine. Accessed 1 May 2024.