porcupine

Porcupine is the name for several species of large, spiny rodents. The group includes two families: Old World porcupines (Hystricidae) of Africa, Europe, and Asia, and New World porcupines (Erethizontidae) of the Americas. Old World species are generally heavier and more terrestrial, while New World species are often arboreal.

Quills are the most distinctive feature. These keratinous spines lie among the fur and can be erected when threatened; they detach easily and can lodge in a predator’s skin. Quill density, color, and the degree of tree-dwelling vary by species. In addition to quills, porcupines have strong claws for climbing.

Diet and behavior: Porcupines are primarily herbivores, feeding on bark, leaves, fruits, seeds, and roots. They may damage crops in some areas. They are mostly nocturnal and solitary, though New World species are more arboreal and adept climbers.

Reproduction and lifespan: Breeding seasons vary by species. Gestation lasts several weeks to months, yielding one to several offspring. Young are cared for by the mother and begin foraging after a short nursing period. Lifespans range from several years in the wild, depending on species and predation.

Conservation and role: Status ranges by species; most are not globally endangered, but habitat loss and hunting threaten some populations. Porcupines influence their ecosystems as herbivores and prey for larger predators; their quills provide a defensive adaptation that deters many threats.