Crested porcupine

The Asian crested porcupine is a member of the rodent family; its diet is therefore essentially vegetarian. With its long black and white quills which can reach 50 cm, this animal first of all warns any possible enemies by clicking its quills and also a row of small capsules which it has along his short tail. If this is not sufficient it raises the tips on its back in a threatening manner and bears down on the intruder, who would be well-advised not to get stabbed!

Because these long quills break off once stuck into the flesh of a predator and it is very difficult and painful to remove because of the tiny sharp hooks which make them so fearsome.

After a gestation period of two months, the female gives birth to between 2 and 4 offspring, as big as hamsters and who already have short spines which are however still soft. Fortunately for the mother who will have to nurse them and for the babies themselves in each other’s company!