Home › Mammalia › Hystricidae › Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata)
SPECIES PROFILE
Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata)
Hystrix
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Southern Europe, Africa
DIET
Herbivorous
HABITAT
Woodland, scrub
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Rodentia
FAMILY
Hystricidae
GENUS
Hystrix
📋 Description
SIZE
60-90 cm body, 10-20 kg
COLORATION
Black and white quills
ADAPTATIONS
Quills for defence, digging
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Woodland, scrub
DIET
Herbivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Southern Europe, Africa
REPRODUCTION
1-4 young, 1 litter per year
DIET DETAILS
Roots, tubers, bark
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Persecution, roadkill
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The crested porcupine has long black-and-white quills that it raises when threatened. It is nocturnal and digs for roots.
2
It is the largest rodent in Europe and was introduced to Italy in Roman times.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Tuscany Italy
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round (nocturnal)
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look for quills and diggings at night.
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