Porcupine

The porcupine is a large rodent characterized by long, stiff quills—called bahalo or qoryo caanaqubta in Somali—that cover its back and sides. These quills are modified hairs composed of keratin, the same material found in fingernails and horns.

Porcupines are found in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. They feed mainly on bark, leaves, twigs, fruits, and other vegetation, making them herbivores. They are generally nocturnal, foraging at night and sheltering during the day in burrows or under rock outcrops.

Appearance and structure

The porcupine's body is covered with ordinary hair, soft fur, and quills. The largest quills are located on the back and tail. When threatened, the animal raises its quills to make itself appear larger and more formidable. The quills are easily detached from the skin and adhere to whatever touches them; contrary to some accounts, porcupines do not shoot their quills, though many become lodged in an attacker if the animal strikes with its back.

Classification

Scientists divide porcupines into two major groups: Old World porcupines (Hystricidae), found in Africa and Asia, typically terrestrial and large-bodied; and New World porcupines (Erethizontidae), found in the Americas, many of which are tree-dwelling. Both groups independently evolved quills, an example of convergent evolution.

Behavior and reproduction

Porcupines are generally solitary or live in pairs. Females give birth to small litters, usually one or two young. Newborns are born with soft quills that harden quickly after birth. Wild porcupines may live from several years to more than ten years, depending on the species.

Relationship with humans

In many regions, porcupines are regarded as agricultural pests because they eat crops, bark, and tree limbs. Quills have been used for decoration, jewelry, and handicrafts in various cultures. The conservation status of each porcupine species varies; some are common, while others have been affected by habitat loss and degradation.